On Monday,July 22, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary New Bedford Flotilla 65 is hosting a free two hour safe boating class called Suddenly in Command at the Acushnet River Safe Boating Club, 80 Middle Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
Consider these potential scenarios: the captain becomes incapacitated or falls overboard; you purchase a new boat and step aboard for the first time … and suddenly YOU are in command. Sound terrifying? It can be if you aren’t prepared or trained in what to do next.
This two hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the helm and will help you handle the basics in case of an emergency. You will learn about your vessel and its operating principles, such as starting the engine. Also included are important boating terminology, instructions on how to properly make a mayday distress call, descriptions of what causes boating mishaps and how to minimize them, basic boat handling, and what safety equipment should be on board.
The lessons learned in this course could save your life or the lives of those on board who you cherish.
Registration is required for seating purposes. Please sign up online at flotilla65.com/public-education or by calling MaryBeth Soares, Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Education at 508-493-5531.