Our programs are provided to the public to raise awareness of safe and damage-free boating practices. We provide specific educational opportunities on a broad range of safety and seamanship topics. We also support charitable activities.
AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE: We teach a state-certified 8-hour basic boating course several times per year.
The Squadron’s exhibit at the Upstate Boat Show.
SAFETY PROMOTION: We conduct a variety of safety programs throughout the year. We have a fire safety training event that includes hands-on experience with fire extinguishers and flares. Our on-the-water training events include “Man Over Board” drills to practice using of a throw-able personal flotation device to recover a person in the water, and other safe boating procedures. We advertise boating safety through local governments by soliciting and receiving Safe Boating Proclamations from each year during National Safe Boating Week. Also, we present an exhibit on boating safety and education at the Upstate South Carolina Boat Show in Greenville during January.
VESSEL SAFETY EXAMINATION: Our certified Vessel Safety Examiners offer free vessel safety checks using the latest USCG checklist. This provides a meeting where the boat owner can refresh boating safety knowledge and obtain peace of mind that the boat meets all federal and state safety requirements.
COOPERATIVE CHARTING: The USPS national Cooperative Charting Program assists the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce in the maintenance of nautical charts. We focus on evaluating nautical charts of primarily recreation areas. Our members review and determine potential errors or required updates, and as a public service for all boaters we report issues found to NOAA.
On-the-water training of FBC students by LHS&PS instructors.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES: A recent civic service project is an informal agreement to provide assistance to the Freedom Boat Club (FBC) Clemson franchise. Four LHS&PS qualified instructors of America’s Boating Course have been certified to teach the FBC syllabus. Instruction is provided by a single instructor in a classroom and on the water over three to four hours to 1 or 2 students. The instruction also introduces USPS and America’s Boating Course as follow-ons to what the students have learned.