Boating season begins on Lake Texoma: Prepare with affordable 3-hour powerboat training courses
by BoatUS 25 May 2024 18:42 BST
BoaterWise, a locally owned boat training company, and the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation help boaters get the skills they need just in time for summer boating season © BoatUS
It's boating season on Lake Texoma, and as boaters return for a summer of fun on the water, are they ready? It's important for every boat operator to be confident behind the helm, but if you're an experienced boater wishing to improve or a beginner who has never driven a boat before, where can you get these on-water boat handling skills?
A new partnership between BoaterWise, a locally owned boat training company that's homeported at Lighthouse Resort and Marina, and the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers a series of four powerboat training courses, allowing beginners to learn the ropes and more advanced boaters to refresh and refine their skills. The three-hour, on-water boating courses are affordably priced at $199 each and run weekly through September.
"Our team at BoaterWise is excited to bring on-water training to North Texas and Southern Oklahoma," said owner Capt. Michael Tucker. "As a TowBoatUS port operator, our National Safe Boating Council-certified and U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains are on the water every day. We truly understand the value in providing courses that help promote safety and build confidence and proficiency to boaters of all experience levels. The relationship with BoatUS Foundation is a perfect fit for us to be able to offer the best training at an affordable entry point to make it accessible to anyone interested in growing their skills," he added.
Courses are held aboard 24-foot pontoon single engine powerboats, but training is also available on rigid hull inflatables or aboard customer vessels. Advanced courses are taught aboard twin engine boats. Class size is limited to a maximum of four students per vessel, ensuring everyone gets quality time at the helm. The four courses offered follow a National Safe Boating Council modular curriculum.
"It's easy to take just the course you need, such as Introduction to Powerboating for beginners, or build on your skills by continuing with Precision Docking & Boat Handling, Open-Water Boat Handling, or Advanced Maneuvers," said Alan Dennison, education program manager for the BoatUS Foundation.
The minimum age to participate is 16 years old, and there is a two-person minimum per boat for classes to take place. BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training programs are offered at 21 locations across the U.S. Sign up at BoatUS.org/On-Water.