The Martha’s Vineyard Coast Guard Auxiliary will hold a Safe Boating Class on May 4 featuring updated 2024 material and tailored to boaters navigating Vineyard waters at Coast Guard Station Menemsha.

The comprehensive course is designed for all boaters, both beginners and experts, with topics ranging from boating law, safety equipment, navigation and what to do in boating emergencies. With an increased number of people on the water, many of them new to recreational boating, the course could not come at a more vital time as accidents have increased to record numbers on Cape and Island waters.

The course will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $50 per person and includes all course material. Students will receive a certificate of safe boating education and paperwork will be processed for a Massachusetts boating license. Students under 16 who complete the course will meet the state requirements for a boating license.

To register, contact vineyardcgaux@gmail.com.

Additional classes will be offered throughout the year also.