Post

Anchor Down on Training: Marina Safety Prioritizes Boating Ed

Instructor teaching boating fundamentals class
05/15/2025 | Boat Safe Chicago | , , ,

The gentle sway of the boat, the fresh spray of water, the endless horizon – there’s nothing quite like being out on the water. But the joys of boating come with a significant responsibility: safety. That’s why marinas must take a proactive role in ensuring that as many people as possible have access to essential boating safety education.

Think about it: marinas are hubs for boating activity. They are where seasoned sailors and eager novices launch their adventures. By prioritizing safety education, marinas can cultivate a culture of responsibility on the water, making it safer for everyone.

Recently, Boat Safe Chicago demonstrated this commitment by completing a successful “Boating 101” safety class at Tower Harbour Yacht Club at Safe Harbor Marinas Tower Marine in beautiful Saugatuck, Michigan. This initiative, spearheaded by Tracy Ponstein, Tower Marine’s business manager, and Paul Jones Tower Marine’s general manager (and a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran), offered invaluable insights to attendees. Paul’s participation in the class and his feedback made the class even more enjoyable,

Learning from a Boat Safe Chicago Master Captain, who is also a National Safe Boating Council Instructor, provided a fantastic perspective on how to enjoy boating while always keeping safety top of mind. The Saturday class covered fundamental topics, including:

  • How Boats Work
  • How Boats Turn & Stop
  • Boat Types
  • Propulsion Types
  • Stand-On / Give-Way (Right-of-Way) Introduction
  • Channel Markers & Buoys
  • Leaving a Dock
  • Approaching a Dock
  • Boating Gear
  • Passenger Safety
  • Boating Customs
  • Safety Equipment

Offering free safety classes to yacht club members, marina residents, and those utilizing a marina’s launch facilities (both private and public) should be a priority. This inclusive approach ensures that a wider range of boaters can benefit from potentially life-saving knowledge.

Is your marina ready to champion safety on the water? Don’t wait for an incident to highlight the need. Let’s collaborate to improve safety for everyone who enjoys our waterways. Contact dani@boatsafechicago.com or call 616-886-8491 to explore how a safety class can benefit your community.

In the meantime, we strongly encourage all boaters to take their state’s online boating safety course. Many are low-cost or even free, and the knowledge gained is invaluable. Let’s all do our part to make our waters safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

#BoatSafety #MarinaLife #SafeBoating #BoatingEducation #WaterSafety #Boating101 #TowerMarine #BoatSafeChicago #Saugatuck #ResponsibleBoating