US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-5

To Offer

 “America’s Boating Course” 

Flotilla 3-5 of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering America’s Boating Course (ABC) on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at the Grand Island Connor Middle School Little Theatre from 8 AM to approximately 4:45 PM.  There will be a 45-minute lunch break. 

The cost for America’s Boating Course (including an instructional CD-ROM) is $40 payable to USCG Aux Flotilla 3-5 plus a $3 school custodial fee.  Call Community Education at 773-8864 during business hours to register.  You may also call 773-3078 to register or for additional information. 

Anyone operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC) such as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner in New York State waters is required to have completed an 8-hour boating course.  America’s Boating Course (ABC) fulfills this requirement. 

ABC topics include :

v     Know Your Boat

v     Before You Get Underway

v     Navigating the Waterways

v     Operating Your Boat or PWC … Safely

v     Legal Requirements of Boating

v     Boating Emergencies … What to Do

v     Enjoying Water Sports with Your Boat.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary, civilian, non-military organization originally established by Congress in 1939 to promote recreational boating safety.  The Auxiliary offers Public Education courses, free Vessel Safety Checks, and assists the Coast Guard in Air and Water (Surface) Operations.  The Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary are now part of the Department of Homeland Security after spending many years with the Department of Transportation. 

Flotilla 3-5, which is one of five flotillas in the Western New York Region, is based on Grand Island and meets on the 4^th Tuesday of each month at the Buffalo Launch Club.  

A complete course listing can be found at www.uscgaux.org/~09203/pe.html