“About Boating Safely” will be taught by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This is an introductory boating course with an emphasis on recreational boating safety in the Pacific Northwest. It will teach what to do to get underway, the basics of protecting and handling a boat safely, waterways navigation, safety equipment, boating problems and emergencies and legal requirements for boating in Washington.

Graduates of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating course meet the educational requirements for the mandatory Washington State Boater’s Education Card. Boaters 25 years and younger must now have a Boater Education Card. The law has a phased-in period for compliance from 2008 until 2016 for various age groups.

The class is $45 for the first attendee and $25 for each additional family member and includes course materials and lunch. Class size is limited. To pre-register, contact Susan Eberhard at 378-3608 or Eberhard@rockisland.com. The class will be held at the West Sound Community Hall on Deer Harbor Road in Westsound. Visit www.bliaux.com for more boating classes and free vessel safety checks.

Many insurance companies offer discounts to graduates of the boating education course.