Fourteen Delaware students take state-required boating class

A class of 14 students at the University of Delaware in Lewes participated in a one-day Delaware Boating Safety class led by Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Education instructor Andy Smith with assistance from William Tower, vessel safety examiner, and John Ballantyne, communication services officer.

The course, which was held June 30, covered all major boating safety items and satisfies the state requirement for Delaware recreational boaters born after Jan. 1, 1978.  The Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes at Roosevelt Inlet provided a fitting venue, as marine and environmental research is conducted there on a daily basis.

The curricula covered all of the state and federal required items including various types of boats, required equipment, regulations, navigation aids, operational practices, rules, and more.  Smith's experience also provided a few personal boating stories to liven things up.

Other courses are available in addition to the one-day course.  The USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 12-09 offers a seven-week Boating Safety and Seamanship course in the spring and fall of each year in Long Neck. The two-hour Monday evening classes will begin Sept. 15.  The first evening starts at 6:30 p.m. to accommodate the sign-up process. All subsequent classes begin at 7 p.m. and conclude by 9.  Cost is $35 per person, $15 for family members.  Contact Smith for a reservation (required) at 302-537-2350 or email adweeb@mchsi.com.  Everyone is welcome; however, space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.  More information can be found at http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=053-12-09&category=class-text.