submitted by Bob Czyszon,

July 28, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - While the oil spill has restricted boating activities this summer, there are no restrictions on "Boating Safety". The Orange Beach Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a "SAFE BOATING" course on Saturday, August 14th. The course will be held at the Orange Beach Community Center (27235 Canal Road) from 7:45 AM to 4 PM. The Auxiliary will also be doing free Vessel Safety Checks so come to our class and bring your boat to the front of the Orange Beach Community Center and our Vessel Examiners check it.

"AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE" is a popular 8-hour course presented by experts from Team Coast Guard. It is designed for recreational boaters and PWC operators. Boating families are encouraged to take the class together. Instruction on boating laws, safety equipment, boat handling and navigation instruction will be given by the USCG Auxiliary. In addition, boating problems and serious boating incidents will be discussed.

Successful completion of the course and its exam rewards the student with a certificate, which meets the examination requirement for the Alabama Boating Operators License and discounts from some boat insurance companies.

Registration for the course is required and can be made by calling John Griggs at 251-955-1443. The cost is $35 per person which covers the textbook, instructional materials and lunch, if two family members share a book, the cost is $45. The course is open to all ages above the age of 12 and class size will be limited to 30 students.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization whose primary functions include teaching boating safety to both adults and children, assisting the US Coast Guard in watch standing, safety patrols and conducting courtesy vessel safely examinations. The Auxiliary is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Orange Beach Flotilla meets on the first Wednesday of the month. For more information about the USCG Auxiliary, or to join the Auxiliary, please contact Ken Drake at 251-979-2034.

Pictured below: Bob Gibson of the Orange Beach Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is shown explaining the purpose of day boards found along the Mobile Bay Ship Channel.