WHY TAKE A BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION COURSE?
The Illinois Valley Sail and Power Squadron is a member of AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB, (also known as United States Power Squadrons) a nationwide not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of boating safety. Throughout the year, many people operate sail or motor-driven watercraft on Illinois waters, often for the first time. So, we encourage people of all ages - both novice and experienced - to take the course. Each of us has the responsibility to keep this lifetime leisure activity free from tragedy and personal loss to ourselves and our fellow boaters. America’s Boating Course and other classes are offered with these objectives in mind.
The Illinois Valley Squadron offers America's Boating Course on boat safety in a traditional classroom setting with experienced instructors. Illinois boating law recently was changed to promote and improve safety on our Illinois waterways. Recreational boaters who take and pass the America’s Boating Course will be awarded a certificate of course completion that complies with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources safe boater education requirements. Our course is open to all persons ages 12 years and older.
America's Boating Course covers all types of recreational boats and the basics of boating safety, including rules of the road, navigation, boat safety equipment, anchoring, adverse boating conditions, trailering and government regulations. A fee (subject to change) covers the course book and other instructional material that can be shared among family members. The AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE certificate of completion awarded to students is accepted by some insurance companies to lower boat insurance premiums.
The next ABC classes will be held March 6 - April 3 at the IVY Club in Peoria, on Wednesdays starting at 6:30 PM. Preregistration will be required by contacting Cliff Shoemaker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
