For the Monica Burguera Foundation, boating safety is not a message reserved for a single event or season. It is an ongoing community effort to educate boaters, encourage responsible behavior and make South Florida’s waterways are safer for everyone.
The foundation will continue that mission with two upcoming events at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club. The first is a fishing tournament and dock party in August, followed by a free State of Florida Boating Safety Course in October.
The fishing tournament will take place Saturday, Aug. 22, bringing together anglers, sponsors and volunteers for a day of competition and community. Spearfishing will be permitted, with participants urged to follow all applicable regulations and put safety first. A dock party featuring food, drinks and music will follow the tournament. Proceeds will benefit boating safety education for children and adults. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.
The foundation will then sponsor a free boating safety course for youth and adults from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, 180 Harbor Drive.
Taught by members of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 65, the course is required for Florida boat operators born after Jan. 1, 1988, and recommended for boaters of every age and experience level.
The instruction reinforces essential practices such as wearing a life jacket, checking the weather and the vessel before departure, following speed limits and navigation rules, remaining alert and never mixing alcohol with operating a boat.
Both events reflect the foundation’s mission that safer boating begins with informed and responsible boaters.
For tournament registration, sponsorship opportunities or information about the free course, visit monicaburguerafoundation.org, email info@monicaburguerafoundation.org or call (305) 398-4609.