Taking a boating safety class is one of the first steps all boaters should take to ensure their safety on the water. According to the U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 70 percent of accidents were caused by operators with no formal boating education. Boats aren’t like cars and the levers and gears are not as simple to figure out, plus boats don’t have brakes like a car does. Getting the chance to learn how to operate your boat and maneuver safely from one place to another is important as is learning the Rules of the Road for navigating the waterways including knowing what to do when encountering various buoys and signs.

Every state has a different set of regulations as to who is required to take a boating safety class that vary depending on age and the type of boat being operated. While new boaters should take classes to learn the basics, even experienced boaters can benefit from taking a boating safety class, especially because boating laws may have changed over the years. An added benefit is that many boating insurance companies offer a discount if a boat owner completes an accredited class. And, with both classroom and online classes available, there is no excuse why you can’t take an boating safety class before the FL boat license. 

To find a class approved in the state where you’ll be boating, go to the U.S. Coast Guard website’s directory of boater education sources. You can also take a state-of-the-art interactive, online boating safety course from our friends at iLearntoBoat.com and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sea Tow Foundation.

Class is in Session on the Boat

School looks a little different for students of all ages this year, and we have all had to adapt and find the best way to make sure our kids are learning and we as parents don’t go crazy. The Sea Tow Foundation is encouraging families to take their distance learning to the boat!

Changing up the scenery can make all of the difference. Sitting in the same spot day in and day out can hinder creativity. Even while docked, learning is stimulated through the feeling of the rise and fall of the water or tides.

Learning outside the traditional classroom can help create a richer understanding of some of the subjects covered in daily school lessons. Many marinas offer Wi-Fi and other tools to help provide internet to your location in and around the water. And some boats are also equipped with satellite technology to help you stay connected out on the water.

Where better to learn about tides and weather patterns than on the boat where your child can feel each crest, and time wavelengths as they experience them. All of the laws of physics can be experienced on the water, making it fun and easy to understand. Kids can also learn from the boat itself in how it runs (electricity, batteries, etc.) for power engines and different forms of energy: wind, solar, and power through sails.

Being on the water opens the possibility to see more wildlife compared to being inside at home. Those studying biology, ecology, and other life sciences can search for the animals depicted in their textbooks in the water – or while fishing!

Discuss geography as you sail or motor past islands, pointing out features of the land. Explain the difference between lakes, marshes, and oceans while you are boating across them. And share the history of the water – did any famous people venture across the same waters?

And don’t forget to brush up on your skills as a boater by taking an interactive online boating education class. You can model good learning behavior to your children and also brush up on your skills and refresh your knowledge of your state’s boating requirements. Our friends at Kalkomey Enterprises offer state-approved boating safety courses as well as courses in hunting, scuba diving, snow mobile riding, ATV operation, and drone operation. And many of these courses are available to teens as well.

Though it seems like education has changed, there are still ways to help your children and you stay on top of the game – while enjoying a beautiful day out on the water.

What would you teach your kids while out on the water? Let us know in the comments.

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water.

Boating Safety Courses are Important

Today is a great day to take a Boating Safety Course and get your boating license or boating certificate. Even with social distancing rules in place, there are still ways to complete a course to meet your state’s boating education requirements thanks to online boating safety courses that are now accepted by most states.  And, in case you needed a little more convincing why you should take a Boating Safety Course, the Sea Tow Foundation has included the following 5 reasons:

1. It’s the Law: Most states require a boat operator to take and complete a boating safety course before operating any boat with a motor. This includes personal watercraft, small fishing boats, pontoons, sailboats that utilize their engine, and all other types of powerboats. And, you should also check the requirements for any other states that you might boat in as their requirements might be different.
2. Boating Safety Courses Save Lives: According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety,70% of the deaths that occurred on boats across the country last year were operated by a person who had not taken any boating safety course.
3. You Can Save Money: Taking a boating safety course will often result in a discount on your boat’s insurance policy which can save you money.
4. Learn Something New: Even the most experienced boaters can learn something new or be reminded about something they may have forgotten. Laws and regulations are constantly changing, so a boating safety class will ensure that you are up to date on all your state’s requirements.
5. Help the Sea Tow Foundation at the Same Time: Completing an interactive, online class from our friends at iLearntoBoat.com results in the Sea Tow Foundation getting a donation from every course graduate to help us promote boating safety in more locations in the U.S.