Boat America class offered in area

SANDPOINT — The local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a certified course on boating safety in early May.

Whether you are new to boating or have some level of boating experience, this is a course taught nationally. The course typically covers navigation, charting, mechanics, rules of the road, courtesies and customs, seamanship, ropes and knots, sailing basics, boat part identification, safety procedures, signage, boat selection, trailering, weather, radios and more.

Certificates are presented upon completion of the course examination.

Some insurance companies offer a discount on boat insurance to policyholders who have certification.

The course will be held Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service building, 1602 Ontario. The cost is $20.

To register, go online to cgaux.org/boatinged/classes/2011/ba.php.

The class is presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lake Pend Oreille Flotilla. The flotilla is a public service organization supporting the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Puget Sound in Seattle, Wash. As a unit, it serves Lake Pend Oreille, the Pend Oreille River and Priest Lake.

In addition to supporting the Coast Guard, the flotilla also provides on-water support to the Bonner County Sheriff's Office, Marine Division, through marine patrols.

Together with Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River, there are over 60 miles of recreational boating water within the Flotilla's service area.

Information: Brian Wilcox, email, [email protected]; or by phone, 208-946-3994