The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Tri-State Flotilla, Massachusetts will be instructing two upcoming boating safety classes. THE PADDLER’S GUIDE TO SAFETY, a class for novice paddlers covering basics like: equipment required and advisable for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.; also, safety concerns, situational awareness, and practice skills. Scheduled for Thursday September 18, 2025 from 6 till 8 PM.

THE BOAT AMERICA COURSE that meets current and future state mandated educational requirements is offered in a two-night format developed to provide the skills and confidence needed to explore the coast and inland waters by boat. Basic knowledge and skills are needed to have safe and enjoyable boating experiences. This course is perfect for families that have just purchased any type of boat or are planning to in the future, and for the boater keeping up with changes to boating regulations and laws. Basic marlinespike seamanship (knots etc.) will also be included. Scheduled for Tuesday October 7 and Thursday October 9, from 5:30 to 9 PM. Successful completion of the BA course will certify any minor, from 12 to 16 years of age, to operate a powerboat, including a Personal Water Craft / Jet Ski (for 16 & 17-year-old operators), on all Massachusetts waters; in conjunction with the Mass. Environmental Police. Approved by National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) it will also cover the requirements to operate a vessel in most other states & many countries where boating safety education is mandatory including RI and CT.

The Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act, signed into Mass. Law January 8, will now require ALL Mass. motorboat operators to complete an approved Safe Boating Certificate course before April 1, 2026 for anyone born after 1/1/1998, and by April 1, 2028 for boaters born before 1/1/1998. Enforcement of the new law will begin on September 1, 2026. This course meets the future Mass. requirement. Most boating insurance companies offer a discount on premiums for successful completion of this course. Participants 16 years old and under must be accompanied, in person, by a registered parent/guardian. SPACE IS LIMITED so register soon:

THE PADDLER’S GUIDE TO SAFETY…Sept. 18, 2025 from 6 till 8 PM

THE BOAT AMERICA COURSE…Oct. 7 & 9, 2025 from 5:30 till 9 PM

Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School

57 Old Muggett Road, Charlton, MA

Register online at www.baypath.augusoft.net via Fun & Play/Sports & Leisure links.

By calling Sheri Dreitlein (508) 248-5971 or email [email protected]

You can also contact our Public Education Officer Phil Kubat for registration or additional information: email [email protected] or call (508) 478-3778.

To locate these and other USCG Auxiliary courses go to: https://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org