Boating Safety Starts at Home

Boating Safety Starts at Home
With New BoatUS Foundation Online Learning Center

Includes No-Cost Boating Safety Course Approved in Over 30 States

 

ALEXANDRIA, Va., October 25, 2010 – Learning about boating safety from the comfort of your own home just got a lot easier with the new BoatUS Foundation Online Learning Center at www.BoatUS.org. The website offers a no-cost online Boating Safety Course that makes learning easier and retention stronger with the use of new animations, videos and interactive activities.

The course is great for boaters or anglers who need to take a boating safety course — it’s valid proof of boater education in over 30 states — and it’s also a great option for those wanting to brush up on their boating safety.  It is designed so you can start, stop and continue where you left off at any time, making it easier to fit today’s busy schedules.

“We believe in reducing the barriers to boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “Some boating safety courses can cost over $100, which can present a big hurdle, especially if several family members want to run the boat. Also, in some parts of the country it may be hard to find a classroom course near you or that fits your schedule. By making our course free, available at home and doable on your own time, we hope to ensure your boating remains fun and everyone makes it home safely.”

 

The difference between the BoatUS Boating Safety Course and other online courses — beyond the cost issue — is the scope of the material. “We don’t just tell you basics,” continued Edmonston. “We go beyond the minimum amount information you need to know.” 

“For example, most boats must have a fire extinguisher aboard. But if you have a larger vessel, we’ll show you why it is wise to have more than the minimum requirements and understand what to do in the event of a fire on your boat,” added Edmonston. “We also will tell you, for example, not only how many life jackets you need to have aboard, but demonstrate in a short video how to actually fit a life jacket to a child so they won’t slip out.”

Upon completion of the course, you can also print your own certificate to provide your state’s boating agency as proof of boater education (for states that accept the course). In addition to the certificate, a few states require a small fee to issue a boating safety card or document. As an option, the Foundation can also provide a certificate suitable for framing for a nominal $5 fee.

For more information, go to www.BoatUS.org.