Lakeside’s Safety Guide

Boater Education Courses with Certification

Basics of Boating - America's Boating Course

• Course: Meets Georgia DNR and NASBLA requirements for boater and PWC certification; covers boat handling, safety equipment/procedures, rules of the road, boat types/terminology.

• Instructors: America’s Boating Club – Atlanta (formerly Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron

• When: Virtual 3-session classes OR In-person Full-day Class: In-person - Saturday, July 8; Virtual 3 sessions - August 2, 9, 12

• Cost: $25 per student

• Information/registration: americasboatingclubatlanta.org/ or Email - ABC@usps-atlanta.org

• Course: NASBLA certified entry level classroom-only course with test for boater education and PWC certification. Covers basic boating terminology, “rules of the road,” navigation, operation, legal requirements, emergencies, water etiquette and more.

• Instructors: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers

• Minimum age: 12

• When: 8:30 am-3:30 pm; July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21

• Where: U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla 29, 6595 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch

• Cost: Individuals $35; bring lunch

• Information/registration: Hector Colon, hlcolon55@gmail.com, 678-778-2131; http://wow.uscgaux.info/peclass.php?unit=070-02-09

On-Line Courses

• www.boat-ed.com and www.boaterexam.com/usa/georgia include study guide and Georgia Certification Exam with unlimited exam attempts; cost is $34.95 payable upon exam passage. Temporary certificate printed upon passage; permanent card mailed.

• www.boatus.org/free offers free course, exam and print your own certificate; mailed certificate $5.

Other Boater Education Opportunities (Certification exam not included)

• Advanced Boating Classes in piloting, marine communications, and other boating skills offered periodically by the America’s Boating Club – Atlanta. americasboatingclubatlanta.org.

Vessel Safety Checks

• Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron offers vessel safety check-ups by appointment; americasboatingclubatlanta.org/vessel-safety-check.

• Vessel Safety Checks by appointment: Both U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons offer vessel safety check-ups at your boat by appointment. www.safetyseal.net.

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands has announced that active and retired military members and first responders (EMTs, police officers, and firefighters) will enjoy free water park admission all summer. The offer, officials said, is a token of appreciation for their dedicated service. “We are thrilled to honor our brave service members and first responders by providing them complimentary access to our water park,” said Bucky Perry, Vice Pres- ident of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. "Their dedication and sacrifice deserves recognition, and we hope this small gesture helps them create unforgettable memories with their friends and families this summer.”

To take advantage of this special offer, active and retired military members and first responders will need to visit www.margaritavilleatlanierislands.com to redeem the offer. Please note that blackout dates may apply.

• Windsong Sailing Academy: Basic and advanced sailing training and certifications including engine maintenance, marine electrical systems, coastal and celestial navigation, marine meteorology and emergency planning. Public and private week evening and weekend classes available. Fees vary. www.WindsongSail.com. (770) 967-1515.

Frances Meadows Aquatics and Community Center

• Location: 1545 Community Way, Gainesville.

• Information/registration: 770-533-5850, www.gainesville.org/359/Swim-Lessons

• Lessons: Swimming and water safety program for all ages and levels, age 6 months to masters, basic aquatics safety to skill proficiency for competitive swimmers, lifeguard training.

• Lanier Aquatics Swim Team: Competitive swimming groups for Rookie (age 4) through Masters (age 18 and older); www.gainesville.org/753/Lanier-Aquatics-Swim-Team

Georgia Mountains YMCA

• Location: 2455 YMCA Drive, Gainesville

• Information/registration: www.gamountainsymca.org/programs-2/swim-lessons, 770-297-9622

• Swim lessons: For all ages and levels, parent-child swim, Masters Swim Program, water fitness, water safety, life guard certification. Fees and times vary.

Cumming Aquatic Center

• Location: 201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming

• Information/registration: 770-781-1781 www.cummingaquaticcenter.com (register online)

• Lessons: Swimming and water safety program ranges from toddler-age in Parent Child Aquatics Program to teens and adults in Learn to Swim and Adult Aquatics Program. Private or semi-private lessons available. Fees and schedules vary. Competitive swimming and diving programs, Masters Swim Team also available. Lifeguard certification offered.

Gwinnett Swim

• Location: 5396 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford

• Information/registration: www.gwinnettswim.com, 404-590-7946

• Swim lessons: For all ages and levels. Fees and times vary.

Swim Atlanta

• Location: 5059 Post Road, Cumming, 770-888-0010; 1152 Auburn Road, Dacula, 678-8892039; 4050 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 770-622-1735; other Atlanta locations

• Information/registration: www.gwinnettswim.com, 404-590-7946

• Swim lessons: For all ages and levels. Fees and times vary.

NOTE: Please contact Lakeside on Lanier News to list additional boating and water safety classes. lakesidenews@mindspring.com.