Squadron Boating Course

 Do you know how to set your anchor properly in mud or rocks on Lake Delta or Hinckley?

Did you know that wearing your life jacket at all times while fishing could save your life in the sudden storm fronts that whip across a shallow lake like Oneida Lake?

Do you know the "rules of the road" and speed limit on the NYS Barge Canal?

Here's your chance to find out these answers and become a smarter, safer boater plus be eligible for discounts on your marine insurance.

 A boating safety course is being offered:

When: Starts March 6, 2008 for 4 Thursday evenings – 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Where: Whitesboro Senior High School located at 6000 State Route 291 in Marcy NY. 

(A second course is scheduled: June 7, 12pm to 4pm at Lock 20, June 10 and June 12 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Whitesboro Senior High School)

What: The course, called "Squadron Boating Course", is comprised of four 2-hour sessions and includes a written exam. This course meets all New YorkState boating certification requirements for insurance reductions, youthful operator and Personal Watercraft Certification (PWC). As of January 2004, all PWC operators are required to have successfully completed a boating safety course.

Parents are invited to bring their children 10 years of age and older with them to this class. Youth boating requirements including Personal Watercraft will be met for youth 10 to 18 upon successful completion of this course. Children under 15 must have parental or other adult supervision during all four (4) classes to participate.

There is no charge for instruction; there will be a $25 fee for textbooks.  Sharing a textbook with a friend or family member is allowed. Enrollment will be on a first come basis and the class size is limited. 

If you have any questions about the class, offered by the Utica Squadron of the United States Power Squadrons, please call Commander George Peckingham(315)831-2170 or email: duke_peck@msn.com

If you wish to secure your safety certificate before the “Squadron Boating Course” occurs, you may do so by completing the America's Boating Course. This course is a self-study effort and is presented on computer CD. There is a proctored final exam.   The cost is $35. Both the course and further information are available by calling or email Ellen Webster at 336-3444.