The AustinBlu Foundation is sponsoring free safe-boating classes in Boca Raton. Classes will be taught once a month by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 36. The first class in Boca is scheduled for Saturday.
The foundation has offered to cover the cost of Flotilla 36’s one-day safe-boating class, which normally comes to $35 per student.
“We want people to get trained in boating safety,” said Kirsten Stevens, the foundation’s administrator. “That’s the bottom line.”
With 29 certified instructors, Flotilla 36 has been offering classes from more than two decades, said Andrea Rutherfoord, the Flotilla 36 spokeswoman.
“By giving these classes, boaters — both brand-new and even experienced boaters — learn information they just can’t pick up by being on the water,” Rutherfoord said. “This class has proven successful in providing that in a one-day format.”
This is the first year Flotilla 36 is partnering with the AustinBlu Foundation. Rutherfoord said the financial assistance from the foundation will help instructors reach more boaters in the area.
“The students have it free,” Rutherfoord said. “They just need to bring a lunch.”
The day will culminate in a test, and students can earn a Florida boating ID card, which is required for people 28 years and younger who are operating a boat with 10 or more horsepower in Florida.
For more information on the class or to register for a date, call Flotilla 36 at 561-391-3600 and leave a call-back number, or send an email to fso-pe@cgauxboca.org.
