The United States Power Squadrons® has been teaching Safe Boating courses since 1914. Lake Hartwell Boating Club℠ (Lake Hartwell Sail & Power Squadron) continues this tradition by offering the most comprehensive and thorough training by combining course work with optional “Local Knowledge” and “On-the-Water” features that you won’t find elsewhere. You will gain an unsurpassed level of learning and confidence on how to boat safely on our local lakes of the Upstate.
Lake Hartwell Boating Club teaches a state-certified 8-hour basic boating course several times per year. Successful completion meets the boating education requirements for operator permits of licensure in most states. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America’s Boating Course.
Students have the opportunity to schedule a Jump Start session. Using the student’s boat, we will provide a Vessel Safety Check and two hours of on the water training. We will talk about popular destinations, coves, problem areas, marinas and explore local nautical charts. We will address what you need to know about your own boat.
Jump Start training is highly recommended. It is well worth the time and will enhance your confidence and boating pleasure. Where better to learn about boating than on the water? This exercise will tie together our classroom studies to an actual boating experience. We will go out on Lake Hartwell and see how the aids to navigation, rules of the road, communications afloat and other class room topics are part of your safe boating training. You will participate in a pre-
departure safety briefing and observe what safe boating practices are about. You will learn how to leave and return to the dock, and how to place and retrieve an anchor. We will demonstrate GPS, Chartplotters and depth sounders and participate in communication afloat using VHF radios.
Let’s get started! Learn about the next safe boating course here.