FAIRHOPE — As the boating season approaches, the Orange Beach Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a "”Safe Boating” course on Saturday, May 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course will be held at The Wharf Complex located at the Foley Beach Express and Canal Road in Orange Beach.

“America’s Boating Course” is a popular 8-hour course presented by experts from Team Coast Guard. It is designed for recreational boaters and PWC operators. Boating families are encouraged to take the class together. Instruction on boating laws, safety equipment, boat handling and navigation instruction will be given by the USCG Auxiliary. In addition, boating problems and serious boating incidents will be discussed

Successful completion of the course and its exam rewards the student with a certificate that meets the examination requirement for the Alabama Boating Operators License and discounts from some boat insurance companies.

Registration for the course is required and can be made by calling John Griggs at (251) 955-1443. The cost is $35 per person, which covers the textbook, instructional materials and lunch. The course is open to all above the age of 12, and class size will be limited to 30 students.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization whose primary functions are to teach boating safety to both adults and children, assist the U.S. Coast Guard in watch standing, safety patrols and conduct courtesy vessel safely examinations. The Auxiliary is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Orange Beach Flotilla meets on the first Wednesday of the month. For more information about the USCG Auxiliary, on other classes offered, or to join the Auxiliary, contact Richard Poulin at (251) 980-1877.