Be Smart. Boat Safely. Save Lives.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been teaching boating safety since 1948. Flotilla 87, located on Lake Anna, provides monthly boating education classes from February - November. Anyone involved in water activities in any way is encouraged to participate in a safe boating course. Whether you are a "first timer" or an experienced boater - there is something for everyone! Reinforce the skills you already know, and learn more about:

• Boat terminology, handling your boat, and navigation skills
• Safety equipment on your boat and how to use it
• National, as well as Virginia's legal requirements for operating a boat
• How Virginia and national laws affect PWC ( jet ski) operators
• ATONS (Aids to Navigation)
• Navigational lights on your boat and how to boat safely at night or in low visibility situations

In 2010 Flotilla 87 offers the FREE "Boat Virginia" sponsored by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) on the 4th Saturday of each month February - November. (See calendar below for exceptions marked **) This 8 hour course is approved by NASBLA, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The class satisfies the 2007 Virginia General Assembly law establishing a boating safety education requirement, which is being phased in over the next several years.

The Virginia Boating Safety Compliance requirement enters it's 2nd year in 2010. All PWC operators 35 years of age and under will have to meet this requirement by July 1, 2010.

To read the entire phased-in schedule of this Virginia state requirement, see "Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirement".

Interested in taking the class?

• Please call or email Jean McCormick for reservations: 571-236-5247 or jeanmccor@aol.com.
• The Boat Virginia class is taught at the Louisa County Library located at 881 Davis Road, Louisa, VA from 8:30 to 4:30.
• This is a FREE class.
• The 8 hour class includes a 30 minute lunch break. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. Refrigeration is available.

Attention PWC (jet ski) operators:

PWC Age Restriction: No person under the age of 14 may operate a PWC. Those operators 14 and 15 MUST show proof of completing an approved and accepted boating safety course either in a classroom or online. The challenge exam or other provisions of the Education Compliance Requirement do not meet the requirements of the age restriction law.

Any person who operates a motorboat on the waters of the Commonwealth shall, upon the request of a law-enforcement officer, present to the officer evidence they are in compliance with the Virginia Boating Safety requirement according to the phased in schedule.

Obtaining this certificate of completion from an approved safe boating class may qualify you for a reduction on your boat/PWC insurance. Check with your insurance provider.

Special requests for speakers about boating safety:

If your homeowners association would like a safe boating class just for your community, or if your community or organization wants a speaker to review safe boating practices, state laws and regulations, etc., please call Jean McCormick at 571-236-5247 or email at jeanmccor@aol.com.

Class Schedule 2010

Flotilla 87's 2010 Boat Virginia Class Schedule

• February 6, 2010 ** Cancelled due to potential of heavy snow Fri/Sat
• March 27, 2010
• April 24, 2010
• May 22, 2010
• June 26, 2010
• July 24, 2010
• August 28, 2010
• September 25, 2010
• October 23, 2010
• November 27, 2010

Be Smart. Boat Safely. Save Lives!

Keep alert. Maintain a safe speed. Wear a properly fitting life jacket. Have all necessary safety equipment on board. Make sure everyone on board knows what to do in an emergency and where all equipment is located. Enjoy your time on the water!