Despite Bad Weather, 15 People Complete Safe Boating Course

Auxilarists Jeff Towle (left), Norma Newton (center) and Ralph Tomlinson (right) speak with students during the Safe Boating Course at Lake Red Rock.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

Severe weather warnings did not deter 15 future mariners from attending the State of Iowa Safe Boating Course taught by members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 4.The class was held at the Lake Red Rock Visitors Center near Pella.

The class covered topics that included navigation rules, fueling, trailering, Iowa boating laws, the proper wearing of life jackets and the handling of boating emergencies. By completing the course, students earned the Iowa DNR Safe Boating Card.

Under the guidance and leadership of Auxilarists Norma Newton and Jeff Towle, all 15 future boaters passed the final exam.

Meanwhile, Auxilarists Ralph and Suzanne Tomlinson conducted voluntary Vessel Safety Checks at Lake Red Rock for local boaters. Despite a very poor forecast, six vessels were inspected by the duo.

Auxilarist Ralph Tomlinson (left) prepares to inspect a PWC at Lake Red Rock.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Suzanne Tomlinson)

Safe Boating Course Begins

As part of National Safe Boating Week, Flotilla 4, the Iowa DNR and Corps of Engineers are hosting a free Boater Education Course. The course is being held over three consecutive evenings at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center on May 18, 19, and 20 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. The course currently has five students participating.

The course is designed to promote safe and responsible boating practices and to instill a sense of responsibility while making the students aware of their actions and potential consequences of these actions. This course meets the State of Iowa requirements for any person 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age to operate any vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower.

Our next course will be Sunday, June 7th at Lake Red Rock. E-mail boatingclass@flotilla4.org for details.

About Boating Safely Course Coming Up

Flotilla 4 will be hosting an About Boating Safely course at Valley Southwoods in West Des Moines . It will be held over seven consecutive Tuesday evenings.

About Boating Safely includes a wide variety of information. You will learn about:

1. General information about boats and maintenance
2. Information on preparing for safe and enjoyable outings
3. Navigation rules and aids to navigation
4. Guidelines for operating your boat or PWC safely
5. What to do in case of boating emergencies
6. State-specific laws and regulations you must follow

In general, this information applies to all recreational watercraft (powerboats, PWCs, sailboats and boats which are paddled). PWC and Jet Ski operators often have additional laws and restrictions which apply to them.

Class dates are:

March 24
March 31
April 7
April 14
April 21
April 28
May 5

For registration information please contact Norma Newton.