Learn to Sail!

 Introductory Boating Course from The Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron

Step 1: America's Boating Course

The Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron, "America's Boating Club," will present its comprehensive introductory boating course beginning on Saturday, 21 February 2015 at the Cape Fear Community College.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved and USCG recognized course is presented on a single Saturday (8:00 AM –4:30 PM). This class satisfies the NC safe boating education requirement for anyone less than 26 years of age.

Step 1: Local Knowledge

The fundamentals are a must for safe boating. However, you can take your training a step further with the “Local Knowledge” course– covering the challenges and complexities of boating on the Cape Fear Waterways (River, Ocean and AICW).

This overview of what you need to know about our coastal environment is held on the second Saturday 28 February (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Step 3: On-The-Water

Where better to learn about boating than on the water?

This 2½ hour training cruise to ties your classroom studies with actual boating experience. You will go out on the ICW and Cape Fear River and work with navigation, rules of the water, communications afloat and other classroom topics.

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The "America's Boating Course" segment is required. The total cost is $70 per person or 2 family members can share a textbook at the discounted price of $45 each. The “Local Knowledge” and “On-the-Water” segments are optional but highly recommended, at no additional cost.

Visit the Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron website at www.capefearboatingcourse.org to learn more and enroll. Email the class registrar at weteachboating@gmail.com with any questions.

Stay Safe In The Water This Holiday Weekend - Watch Out For Rip Currents

Photo: "Kure Beach" by Kelly Lawso

The water off the Pleasure Island coast is beautiful, fun, and refreshing, but it can also be dangerous. Rip currents, or strong channels of water flowing away from the shore, are common along the beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher.

To increase your safety this Memorial Day weekend, or any time you are enjoying the ocean here are a few tips:

• Swim near the lifeguard stands. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm seven days a week during the season.
• Pay attention to the flags posted on the lifeguard stands which indicate surf conditions. Green = safe swimming conditions, Yellow = moderate to rough surf, caution is advised, Red = surf conditions are dangerous and swimming is prohibited.
• If caught in a rip current don't panic or attempt to swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Learn more from the Town of Carolina Beach Lifeguards.
• Keep a close eye on children playing in the water. Communicate with other adults in your party so everyone is aware of who is watching any children.

Stay safe and have fun!