Education
Winners of the 2016 Boater Safety Course Contest sponsored by The AustinBlu Foundation
WINNERS DRAWN ON JUNE 17th, 2016
We’ve chosen the 5 lucky winners of our 2016 Boater Safety Course Contest. They are Luke W. and Bennett S. of Jupiter, Avery B. and Evan B. both from Palm City, and Donte P. from Hobe Sound. Congratulations!
The contest was open to legal residents of the United States who were between the ages of 11 and 17 at the time of entry, had their parent or legal guardian’s permission to enter, and possessed a valid Safe Boating Course Card from a recognized institution. Winners were drawn at random from online entrants.
The prizes are a “4-Day Intermediate Boater Safety Course” provided by the Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, Florida. This course is a four day program designed to teach young men and women the skills required for basic vessel systems, running compass courses, Basic Navigational Chart Reading and Aids to Navigation and Emergency Procedures while underway. Students will also Review Safe Boating requirements and their importance and Learn emergency procedures while underway. The approximate retail value of each prize is $385.00 USD.
Chapman School of Seamanship was founded in 1971 by the late Glen D. Castle, a lifelong mariner and yacht captain, and the late Charles F. Chapman, legendary powerboat racer, boating magazine editor and author of “Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling.”
Designated The Maritime School of Florida by the State Legislature in 1984, the Chapman School has earned worldwide respect for the quality and ability of its graduates. (www.chapman.org)
AWARENESS IS THE KEY
Even the most experienced swimmers may not be prepared when unexpectedly thrown overboard as the result of a boating accident, or even a minor mishap. By educating boaters on the importance of life jackets and other safety devices, we can significantly reduce the number of boating related fatalities.
According to the 2014 Boating Accidents Statistical Report, there are hundreds of boating accidents reported each year in Florida alone; many of these resulting in fatalities. In fact, more than half of Florida’s boating related fatalities are due to boaters falling overboard. Needless to say, a large number of these tragedies could have been avoided if the victims had been wearing life jackets.
Boating Safety Checklist
Help keep your passengers safe! The ABYC Boating Safety Checklist will help you identify the safety items you are required to have onboard your boat and suggest some additional items that can make your excursions safer and more comfortable. The checklist can be used for all powered and non-powered boats operating in the United States and its territorial waters.
Download a copy of the American Boat and Yacht Council Boating Safety Checklist
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