COAST GUARD COURSE UNDERSCORES BOATING SAFETY

OXNARD, CA: The U.S. Coast Guard released its latest summary of statistics for boat-ing incidents, revealing that there were 636 boating fatalities nationwide. Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. 75 per-cent of fatal boating incident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Where boating instruction was known, 74 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety in-struction.

The Coast Guard encourages all boaters take a boating safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards before they go boating.

The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Boat America course is an introductory boater certifi-cate course designed for the novice boater. The 1-day course consists of seven core lessons, providing up-to-date knowledge for boating safety. Coast Guard Auxiliary ci-vilian instructors are experienced recreational boaters with in-depth knowledge of boating safety and skills. Topics include Introduction to Boating, Boating Law, Safety Equipment, Safe Operation and Navigation, Boating Emergencies, Trailering, and Sports and Boating tips.

This Boat America course provides the knowledge needed to obtain a California boat-ing certificate. The Boater Card, issued from the state Division of Boating and Water-ways, is required this year for persons 60 years of age or younger.

Class date is Saturday April 13, 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. Location is Coast Guard Recruit-ing Building, Oxnard, CA. Cost is $30.00. Checks payable to: “USCG Aux Flotilla 72”. RSVP by April 5 seating limited. Contact Auxiliarist Robert Hamming, rham-ming@sbcglobal.net, (805) 701-7216.