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 (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 offers summer programs from beginner to advanced levels at its North Shore Park location and has offered satellite summer instruction at the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach. Classes are geared for ages 8-13. 

Fort Myers-based Offshore Sailing School offers family sailing packages at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva and Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. These include the Tweens & Teens Learn Free package, where up to three children ages 7-17 learn for free with two adults. This three-day course is part of a five-night resort vacation package.