ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- As the boating season approaches, the Orange Beach Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a “SAFE BOATING” course on Saturday. The course will be held at the Orange Beach Community Center (27235 Canal Road) from 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m.

“About Boating Safely” is a popular eight-hour course presented by experts from Team Coast Guard. It is designed for recreational boaters and PWC operators.

Boating families are encouraged to take the class together. The USCG Auxiliary will give instruction on boating laws, safety equipment, boat handling and navigation. In addition, boating problems and serious boating incidents will be discussed.

Successful completion of the course and its exam earns the student a certificate, which meets the examination requirement for a Alabama Boating Operators License and discounts from some boat insurance companies.

Registration for the course is required and can be made by calling John Griggs at 251-955-1443. The cost is $35 per person, which covers the textbook, instructional materials and lunch, if two family members share a book, the cost is $45.

The course is open to ages 12 and above. The class size will be limited to 30 students. If you are unable to attend this class, additional classes will be held at the same location on April 14, May 19, June 1 and Aug. 11.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization whose primary mission is recreational boating safety. In addition the auxiliary assists the US Coast Guard in watch standing, safety patrols and conducts vessel safety checks.

The Orange Beach Flotilla meets on the first Wednesday of the month.

For more information about the USCG Auxiliary, or to join the Auxiliary, please contact Tom Moo at 251-948-2335 or Bob Czyszon at 251-990-4710.