Saint James City Civic Association president Cena Hamby said she is thrilled to offer another boating safety class this year to anyone who would like to be certified without having to leave Pine Island. The class will be held Friday,\u00a0Feb 13, from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the cost is $45 cash or check to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. <\/p>\n
Lunch will be provided at a cost to benefit the Civic Center. Register for the class at sjccapi.org\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is going to keep people from having to drive off the island for a full day. It\u2019s a time-saver and it\u2019s required. My husband Don took the class last year and it really helped us,\u201d Hamby said.<\/p>\n
According to Hamby, even though the certification is not required, those certified will be able to list the boater\u2019s safety certification to seek a lower insurance rate. Last year\u2019s class saw approximately 40 in attendance. Hamby stated that anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat. For boaters born after 1988, they receive a discount from their insurance company for taking the class.<\/p>\n
The course will offer island businesses who serve the outer Islands via boat the opportunity to have all of their employees certified, she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhile many insurers have canceled boating insurance after the hurricanes, having the certification makes it easier to get new coverage from those insurance companies that are covering boats,\u201d Hamby said.<\/p>\n
Since this event is offered to the community, there is no money going toward the St. James City Civic Association, she said, maintaining that the space was reserved simply to bring the boating class to the island community. <\/p>\n
The SJCCA is at 3300 4th Ave., St. James City. For additional information about the class or the SJCCA, please call (239) 412-7400 or visit sjccapi.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n