FROM THE BRIDGE

BY CHARLES WELLSNational Educational Officer

► In reviewing the 2024 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, I noticed a correlation between boating accidents and boating education. As the Coast Guard concludes, nearly 70% of boating deaths in 2024 occurred on boats whose operator did not receive boating safety instruction, while only 19% of fatalities occurred on vessels whose operator had received a boating safety education certificate.

As states pass laws requiring boating education, we see the number of fatalities decrease In some instances, the reduction is significant. For example, New York’s Brianna’s Law requires all power boaters born after Jan. 1, 1978, to have taken a state-certified boating course. Since the rollout of this law in 2020, the number of accidents involving boaters who have taken a course continues to decline year over year. This is great news and should be a consideration for all boaters.

Online boating courses are proliferating. Expanding access to boater education is important. Most states have review processes to ensure that the courses include state boating laws. Still, it’s important to take a course from a reliable and accredited source, like America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons Numerous boating publications and authorities have rated our America’s Boating Course highly.

Boaters should consider more advanced courses to expand their knowledge of boating. We offer the full range of courses from marine navigation to boat handling and marine communications. Many courses are available online. In addition to the courses that we offer, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and other commercial organizations offer excellent alternatives and are available to most boaters across the country.

America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is enhancing its course offerings by updating its curriculum and introducing new courses. We are also developing new courses that respond to boaters’ needs and interests. For example, we are working on a new inland boating course that covers topics affecting lake and river boating, including challenges such as river locks, dams and currents.

We are also looking at new technologies. We recently created a seminar on marine batteries that helps boaters understand lead-acid and lithium batteries.

America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is always looking for new members As a volunteer organization, we depend on boaters who want to help create courses and seminars that can educate future boaters If you’re interested in contributing your knowledge and services in developing new curricula, contact your local squadron today. ■

Vice Commander Charles “Chuck” Wells has chaired the Marine Environment, Instructor Development, Member Benefits and Navigation committees. He has taught many courses and seminars but most enjoys teaching Weather and Inland and Coastal Navigation. Chuck has held leadership positions at the squadron and district levels. He also served as an instructor with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and holds a US Coast Guard captain’s license. He has crewed, owned and leased powerboats, sailboats and paddlecraft at home and abroad. With over 50 years of experience on the water, he understands the importance of boating safety and education. Since 2019, Chuck and his wife, Deany Blades, have enjoyed living on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Their daughter, Chuck’s former crew member, resides in New York.