Cape Coral’s waterways are becoming increasingly crowded as more people move to Southwest Florida. This influx is creating a dangerous mix of new boaters, shallow channels, and unfamiliar tides.

In Lee County, there are more than 50,000 registered boaters, along with many renters and seasonal visitors on the water. Instructors warn that many of these individuals venture out without understanding the local conditions, leading to accidents. During a recent WINK Listens event in Cape Coral, WINK News reporter Maddie Herron met Mike Carter, a passionate boating instructor.

“They need to know how to run it because they have never been on a boat before,” said Carter, who is an instructor with the Power Squadron Cape Coral. “What the Power Squadron does is we run what we call the ABC class.”

Carter emphasized that the American Boating Course, or ABC, is an essential first step for any new boater. “It’s actually a national class,” Carter said.

After a recent boat accident in Cape Coral, Carter reinforced the importance of this training. “You’re running that boat, and you have to know how to be able to help yourself,” he said.

Carter explained that the local waterways can be deceptive, with shallow areas and busy zones, and even a small mistake can be dangerous. “People think you can just jump in a boat and go… you can’t do that here,” Carter said. “If you try that here, you’re going to run aground and get in trouble.”

Classes like the ABC course and the local waters seminar are filling up fast, especially among new residents who need their boater card. “That’s to get your boater card and to learn the area better,” Carter said. “We teach you different things, like speeds… how to deal with heat stress on the boat.”

Carter noted that they cover everything from reading tides and markers to navigating narrow areas like the Miserable Mile. “This waterway is so much different than any other waterway you’ve been at,” Carter said.

As the boating season begins, there is a noticeable spike in class attendance, with many new residents buying homes and boats without realizing how different these waters can be. Carter stressed that just a few hours in a classroom can make the difference between a safe, enjoyable day and a dangerous situation.

For more information on when classes are available, visit the organization’s website at ccsaps.org