Although August is one of the most active months for recreational boaters, you can always find time for boating safety. The Orange Beach Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a “safe boating” course on Saturday, August 11th . The course will be held at the Orange Beach Community Center (27235 Canal Road) from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

America's Boating Course is a popular 8-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. Instruction on boating laws, safety equipment, boat handling and navigation instruction will be given by the USCG Auxiliary. In addition, boating problems and serious boating incidents will be discussed.

Successful completion of the course and its exam rewards the student with a certificate, which meets the examination requirement for the 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 all ages above the age of 12 and class size will be limited to 30 students.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization whose primary functions include teaching boating safety to both adults and children, assisting the US Coast Guard in watch standing, safety patrols and conducting courtesy vessel safely examinations. The Auxiliary is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.

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 Ken Drake at 251-979-2034.