What We Offer

1. Boating Education Classes

We offer year-round boating education classes, including a minimum of four annually that meet Ohio’s mandatory boating education requirements. Classes are provided in accessible community locations throughout Ohio and include classroom instruction and, where applicable, on-water demonstrations.

Goals and Methods:
- Educate individuals 16 and older born on or after January 1, 1982, in compliance with Ohio’s mandatory education law.
- Encourage voluntary education among non-required but at-risk individuals by offering convenient and accessible programming.
- Curriculum includes: safe operation, personal flotation device (PFD) use, hazard identification, weather interpretation, boating law, and emergency procedures.

2. Skill Development for Non-Traditional Boating Groups

Boat Safe! provides boating education and skill-building workshops specifically designed for individuals from underserved or underrepresented communities.

Courses include classroom instruction and practical, hands-on boating experience using certified instructors and safety-reviewed equipment.

Goals and Methods:
- Remove barriers to boating safety education
- Provide hands-on skill development and training in small groups
- Promote boating as a safe recreational activity for all

3. Boating Safety Programs for People with Disabilities

Boat Safe! develops and delivers customized educational programs for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. This includes accessible curriculum formats (audio/visual enhancements, simplified language), modified classroom settings, and specialized boating equipment or vessels.

Goals and Methods:
- Ensure boating safety education is inclusive and ADA-compliant
- Provide support and modifications necessary for people with disabilities to safely participate
- Work with specialists and adaptive boating partners as needed

4. Hands-On Boater Safety Courses for Youth (Ages 10–15)

Our signature program involves hands-on, on-the-water boater safety courses specifically designed for youth aged 10–15. These sessions provide real-world skill development, including:
- Boat handling (docking, maneuvering)
- Navigation (charts, GPS, compass)
- Weather awareness
- Emergency procedures (man-overboard, capsize response)
- Line handling and knots
- Safe water sports operation
- Use of mobile safety/navigation apps

Goals and Methods:
- Deliver interactive, age-appropriate instruction using games, simulations, and group exercises
- Teach critical safety skills in a supportive, supervised environment
- Build long-term awareness of boating hazards and proper conduct on the water