SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Jackie Silver remembers tearing around the Mobile-Tensaw Delta in  a speedboat he and his dad rebuilt for his 12th birthday.

But things have changed a lot in the past 30 years, said Silver, now the parent of two sons in middle school.

“The laws have changed a lot since then, and it’s not worth anybody getting hurt or in trouble. I could probably use a refresher course myself,” Silver said.

That’s exactly the message the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary hopes all boaters will receive loud and clear April 9 with “About Boating Safety” at the Bass Pro Shops in Spanish Fort.

Karl Andrews, spokesman for the Eastern Shore Flotilla 36, said safe boating becomes a hot topic every year as spring weather takes hold of the area because water activity on rivers, bays and the gulf increase dramatically.

The course, which costs $35 per person, will take place on the outdoors emporium’s second-floor meeting room and will be led by both certified Auxiliary and active duty Coast Guard course instructors. Lunch and materials are included in the cost, but registration is required and must be received by April 7. The course will last from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Immediate family members will also be able to attend for a cost of $20, which includes lunch but no course materials.

To register, call Steven Delker at 251-928-7342.