Coast Guard Auxiliary to Offer Free Boating Safety Classes

Now that the weather has turned warm, people are already out on boats and personal water craft on Hartwell Lake.

And that’s one reason why the local chapter of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is working to organize and hold boating safety classes at various locations around the lake.

The first class is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tugaloo State Park In Lavonia.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Education Officer Randy Williams says the class will teach basic boating safety and also update people on state laws.

“For example, it is now required by law that people born after 1/1/98 have a boater education card in the state of Georgia,” said Williams. “South Carolina requires it for anyone under the age of 16 to operate a personal watercraft or a boat over 16 feet or a motor over 30 horsepower.”

The cost of the class is $15 per person.

Williams said that covers a certificate and also the boater education card and he says the class meets all of the requirements for both Georgia and south Carolina.

“These classes are certified by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators,” said Williams. “Our students will qualify for cards in Georgia and South Carolina.”

Williams said by taking a class, boaters may also make themselves eligible for boat insurance discounts.

More importantly, he says having an understanding of boating safety is essential before heading out on the water.

“Operating a boat is far more difficult than operating a car,” said Williams. “It can be a very hazardous thing or it can be a very enjoyable thing. It is just plain common sense to learn what you are going to do before you do it.”

For more information on the boating safety classes put on by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, contact Williams at 706-491-9101.