Boating Class sign-ups

Volunteers from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will teach about “Boating Safely” on Saturday, March 24, in Yorkville and Saturday, March 31, in Channahon.The first class will be taught at the Historic Kendall County Courthouse in downtown Yorkville.  The second class will be taught at the new Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.With spring weather just around the corner, people are getting ready to set sail with jet skis and fishing boats on the Illinois River. State law requires boaters ages 12 through 17 complete a mandatory boating safety class before operating a vessel on public waters.“Our class gives confidence to new boaters,” noted instructor Dale Polak.The eight-hour classes will be taught in one day from 8:30 am until 5 p.m.  
The program covers many different topics that newer boaters need to hear. Boating tips, state laws and safety ideas are made clear.With the excitement of using Illinois lakes and rivers, newer boaters will appreciate this well-organized class  The Morris boat ramp under Illinois 47 is a popular launching point for Grundy County boaters.The instructors are experienced sailors and trainers who have taught this course to hundreds of students in northeastern Illinois.   This exciting presentation allows these volunteer lifesavers to make rivers and lakes in Illinois safer and more fun.“When you sit in the captain’s seat, you are in command,” U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructor Bob Allen said.  “With colorful slides and an excellent, easy-to-read text, we can guide you away from problems and into safe practices.”The Historic Kendall County Courthouse is in downtown Yorkville at 110 West Madison St. The classroom is located upstairs. The course fee is $40 and covers all materials.Boaters who successfully complete the course get a certificate. By popular demand, another class is being held in Channahon along the Illinois River. Students highly rate the class in post-course evaluation forms.To sign up for either the March 24 or March 31 class, call Bob Allen at             1-630-621-5544       or e-mail at  UpHigh63@aol.com.
 For more information about other U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary classes in Illinois, go to www.ChicagoSafeBoating.com.