Has anyone here ever gave much thought to the fact of volunteering to teach and or help boaters understand the proper way to operate a boat?

It seems to me we have all had our fair share of people who do not understand how important it is to safely operate a boat (especially in crowded waters)

In these times the law enforcement is becoming more and more scarce due to the cut backs in our states finances and it is letting people just jump in a boat or pwc with out fully understanding the impact it could have on others.

I would gladly volunteer some of my time to demonstrate and teach if I really thought it would make an impact.

Would people really listen or do you think it would be a waist of time, The boater safety class here in Va. is something you can take on-line and to me it really does not drive the point home!

Get in touch with the boating authority in your state and see if it would even be feasable to do it.

How many boaters are there in Virginia needing training?

Just who are you to teach anyone?  (no offense but what are your qualifications as far as safe boating?)

Here's the organization you need to contact: http://www.cgaux.org/

How many boaters are there in Virginia needing training?

Just who are you to teach anyone? (no offense but what are your qualifications as far as safe boating?)

None taken but I thought if I were to educate myself just as I did as a volunteer EMT for ten years I could serve as a safety instructor as well.

I'm willing to do what is needed to better our community of boaters and help keep our waters safer for all.

I have been a boater for several years, While that does not make me qualified to be an instructor by any means I am certainly willing to put fourth the effort.

Is basic boat safety so complicated that it needs an expert to teach it? I mean, we're not talking about rocket science here.

It isn't that its complicated, just involves common sense, which is uncommon these days.

Is basic boat safety so complicated that it needs an expert to teach it? I mean, we're not talking about rocket science here.

Have you been to a large lake lately and tried to fish or just enjoy the day on the water?

J Francho,

Thanks for the address.

Is basic boat safety so complicated that it needs an expert to teach it? I mean, we're not talking about rocket science here.

Have you been to a large lake lately and tried to fish or just enjoy the day on the water?

I'm not saying it's not needed, I'm saying that you don't need to be an expert to instruct people on basic safety. Someone who has been boating for a few years should have enough knowledge and experience to help newbie boaters.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary teaches classes in my area. They really go out of their way to assist anyone that wants to attend. They charge a small fee to cover cost but will try to help save money by allowing a family to attend for the cost of an individual if you are willing to share a book.

Most insurance companies offer a discount for attending.................Al

PS- The " rules of the road " that govern navigation on bodies of water can be very complicated, not brain surgery but not kindergarten class either.

Is basic boat safety so complicated that it needs an expert to teach it? I mean, we're not talking about rocket science here.

Have you been to a large lake lately and tried to fish or just enjoy the day on the water?

I'm not saying it's not needed, I'm saying that you don't need to be an expert to instruct people on basic safety. Someone who has been boating for a few years should have enough knowledge and experience to help newbie boaters.

I get what you were saying but I am wondering if these classes should surpass just the general basic knowledge of boater safety and move into a somewhat more aggressive type of class such as possibly putting in a smaller vessel and have the larger vessel pass by at different speeds so that everyone gets the chance to understand exactly what effect you have on other vessel's... now that's just an example please do not feel I am beating up on people who own larger boats... But having a visual of these and other effects can definitely impact the sense's and in my opinion should be a more effective way of teaching boater safety.

Thanks for the reply.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary teaches classes in my area. They really go out of their way to assist anyone that wants to attend. They charge a small fee to cover cost but will try to help save money by allowing a family to attend for the cost of an individual if you are willing to share a book.

Most insurance companies offer a discount for attending.................Al

PS- The " rules of the road " that govern navigation on bodies of water can be very complicated, not brain surgery but not kindergarten class either.

I love that idea I need to look into that here in Va.

Thanks!!