Boating Safety Class

The apparent drowning of a man who had been riding a personal water craft (PWC) was an unfortunate incident.

According to U.S. Coast Guard data, more than 60% of boating accidents result from capsizing, falling overboard or flooding / swamping. In other words, the sudden and unexpected in-water experience that turned into a fatal situation.

Unfortunately, many people don’t think of PWCs as boats.

Saving lives isn’t hard but, unfortunately, on the unforgiving Pacific it doesn’t come naturally either. Wearing life vests is only the beginning of boating safety.

That’s why the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is committed to public education for boating safety. Beginning Aug. 19 we will offer a new class, which takes eight hours over four weeks. It has a detailed portion dedicated to PWCs, which now account for half of all new boat sales.

For information, call 483-0534.

SCOTT SMITH

U.S. Coast Guard

Auxiliary, Flotilla 72

Ventura