OXNARD, CA: The U.S. Coast Guard released its latest summary of statistics for boating incidents, revealing 3,844 accidents that involved 564 deaths, 2,126 injuries and approximately $63 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Where cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 87% were not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Not surprisingly, 74 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

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 certificate course designed for the novice boater. The 1-day course on Saturday APRIL 19 in Oxnard, CA. consists of seven core lessons, providing up-to-date knowledge for boating safety. Coast Guard Auxiliary civilian 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 boating certificate. The Boater Card, issued from the state Division of Boating and Waterways, is required this year for ALL persons.

Class date is Saturday APRIL 19 , 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. Location is Coast Guard Recruiting Building, 4202 S. Victoria Ave. Oxnard, CA. Cost is $32.00. Checks payable to: “USCG Aux Flotilla 72”. RSVP by APRIL 14 is required, seating limited. Contact Auxiliarist Robert Hamming, rhamming@sbcglobal.net, (805) 701-7216.