The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a one-day, “Boat America” class Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Cypress Lake Community Church, 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers.

This beginner boating class will provide the novice recreational boater with the knowledge needed to obtain the FWC safety certification. Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who complete the Boat America class.

The class presenters are trained U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members who facilitate sharing experiences and relate courseware to the Fort Myers Beach area.

Greg Masonick, the Flotilla Comman-der of the Fort Myers Beach Flotilla 91 stated, “Education and awareness of potential risks while boating is the key to safe boating. Understanding the hazards is especially important after a hurricane. Participants learn the different styles of life jackets, minimizing risks, being prepared, and exercising good judgment. People are very busy today, and the class can easily fit into everyone’s calendar. Unlike online classes, this program offers student interaction, shared perspectives, and local area knowledge.”

The cost is $45 per person and includes study material.

Advance registration is required, by phone at 239-690-6780 option 1 or online at www.aux91fmb.org/safeboating/ – the class fills up quickly so register today.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the lead agency protecting America’s seaward frontier in recreational boating safety. Our vessels and aircraft deploy across the U.S. and aid or save countless boaters every year. Every day the auxiliary saves hundreds of thousands of dollars in property and saves countless lives.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939.

For additional information, please visit www.cgaux.org.