Improve Your Boating Safety Knowledge This Weekend

New England Science & Sailing is offering a comprehensive safe boating course this weekend, offering both classroom and on-the-water training.

The organization—which offers educational programs on sailing, marine biology, and environmental programs—has partnered with Boat Coach USA to offer the course. It will satisfy state requirements for a Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate and/or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.

NESS is providing the instructors and powerboats for the course. Each instructor has thousands of hours of experience and a Coast Guard license to operate 50 and 100 ton watercraft.

"There really is no better way to build your skills and confidence,” said Mark Zagol, director of NESS and a former coach at the Coast Guard Academy in New London.

The course runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The cost is $145, and participants should bring sunscreen, snacks, and a lunch. Life jackets are required for the on-the-water training and will be provided, but attendees should bring a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device if they have one.

To register, contact NESS at 860-535-9362.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.