On-water powerboat training for families, teens at Boating Safety Day

Learn boat-handling basics during affordable on-water training courses at Boating Safety Day on Saturday June 2 at Wilson Point Park © BoatUS

Want to learn the basics of powerboating with your teen, or brush up on your close quarters powerboat handling skills?

On Saturday, June 2, the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water together with TowBoatUS Baltimore/Middle River will offer a choice of two fun on-water training courses taught aboard 20- to 26-foot powerboats: "Crew Camp – Boat With Your Teen" and 'Close Quarters Boat Control" at the third annual Sgt. Marvin T. Haw IV Boating Safety Day at Wilson Point Park at 950 Beech Drive in Baltimore County.

The goal of the BoatUS Foundation and TowBoatUS Baltimore/Middle River courses are to address the high costs typically associated with at-the-helm training, making it easier and more affordable to gain practical hands-on powerboat skills and boating safety education. The courses also offer area residents the chance to try out recreational boating, and gives boaters the opportunity to brush up on their skills before the summer boating season.

Class size is limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor. Both courses are 3-hours long. The "Crew Camp – Boat with Your Teen" course covers shifting and steering, basic docking, and basic navigation. It is priced at only $179 for both parent and teen, and starts at 11:30 a.m. The "Close Quarters Boat Control" course covers shifting and steering, basic docking and navigation, is priced at $129 per person, and starts at 12 noon. Each student taking a course will receive a free Body Glove Float Coat.

Space is limited. Students enrolled in "Crew Camp" must be between 13 and 18 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Students must be at least 18 years of age to participate in "Close Quarters Boat Control." To sign up for a course, visit here.

During Boating Safety Day visitors are encouraged to participate in water-safety demonstrations, enjoy food from local food vendors, and meet with local marine businesses. For those who just want to experience being out on the water, "Free Boating Safety Rides" are offered on a first come, first served basis and include a 20-minute ride around the lagoon with a captain to learn about boating safety and the importance of safety equipment on the boat. The rides are provided by the BoatUS Foundation and TowBoatUS Baltimore/Middle River with vessels provided by Riverside Marine and Tradewinds Marina.