History has proven that when hurricanes and recreational boats get together, the result isn’t pretty. But what if every boat owner was armed with a specific plan to prepare their boat for an approaching storm? An online course, “Hurricane Preparation for Boaters,” available from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and the United States Power Squadrons, aims to do just that. Conveniently available online, the course is $24.95 and can be taken from a desktop, tablet or smartphone by going to BoatUS.org/courses.
“The BoatUS Marine Insurance damage avoidance program has shown there are measures that boaters can take to reduce hurricane boat damage and improve their chances with surviving a storm,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Education Amanda Suttles Pérez. “The most important thing for boaters to remember is that early planning is key and if you wait until a storm has formed or a watch or warning has been issued, it’s often too late to put some plans into place. This course is just the latest from us to help boaters get ahead of this timely task.”
Boaters taking the course will be able to create a hurricane plan for their boat, with specific solutions for boats stored in the water such as docks, moorings, hurricane holes, canals; on high ground at the boatyard or club; or even on a trailer in your own backyard. They will learn to evaluate the storm protection provided by a marina or storage area and determine if, when and how a boat should move before a hurricane. It also shows the steps needed to take before a hurricane makes landfall and how to secure a boat for hurricane conditions, including diagrams for tying lines.
BoatUS also offers many other hurricane planning tools at BoatUS.com/hurricanes, including downloadable, no cost hurricane preparation guides for boaters and marinas, boatyards and clubs.
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About BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation:
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe. For more, go to BoatUS.com or BoatUS.org.
About United States Power Squadrons:
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.