Children love to go boating. One great way to build their understanding of safe boating practices and procedures is to give them lessons. Edison Sailing Center offers youth lessons and programs for powerboating (age 10 and up) or sailing. “They include high school sailing, school-year sailing (September-May), collegiate sailing in partnership with FGCU, outreach programs for youth organizations, scouting merit badge activities, powerboat safety training, adventure sailing, and more,” says Stephanie Webb, director of programs/training/leadership development. The sailing center also offers summer programs and works with home-school groups.  

America’s Boating Club in Cape Coral offers a junior navigation course where students learn to navigate by using a sexton, the sun, and other methods to find their location on the water.  

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media. 

RESOURCES 

America’s Boating Club 

917 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral 

417-549-9754; ccsaps.org. 

Edison Sailing Center – North 

13001 N. Cleveland Avenue, North Fort Myers (North Shore Park) 

Edison Sailing Center – South 

2000 W. First Street, Fort Myers 

239-454-5114; edisonsailingcenter.org 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires that boaters 21 and younger operating a personal watercraft or powerboat of 10 horsepower or more pass an approved boater education course, offered online. Boaters of all ages are encouraged to obtain the boater education card. Find out more at  safeboatingamerica.com/license/Florida_Online_Boating_Course.html.