BOATING season will be here before you know it! So it's time to review the water safety rules.
The Toledo Sail and Power Squadron, America’s Boating Club of Western Lake Erie, is gearing up for this year's boating season. Members and officers in their dress uniforms gathered for the Sail and Power Squadron 2023 Change of Watch on Jan. 14 at the Maumee River Yacht Club.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were enjoyed as everyone enjoyed the beautiful view of the Maumee River. The social hour was followed by the color guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the invocation by past commander Ed Fairchild. Guests and past commanders were introduced, and a tasty lunch was served, followed by dessert and coffee.
The Change of Watch ceremony and swearing-in of officers was led by District 29 executive officer Sandra Pick. The 2023 bridge of officers include commander Frank Czerniejewski, treasurer Michelle Abel, secretary Deborah Shaulis, administrative officer Michael Schabeck, education officer Christopher Hoover, and executive officer Rickie Waugh, who is the immediate past commander.
The presentation of awards and gifts rounded out the meeting. Among the awards was a recognition award for Mr. Waugh's dedicated service to the club and boating safety. The colors were retired, and the meeting was adjourned.
Then chatter was about the upcoming boating classes open to the public over the next few months.
The Toledo Sail and Power Squadron offers classes that meet all Ohio and Michigan boating law requirements, according to Jan Leutz, who handles public relations for the squadron. The recommended age for the classes is 12 and older. Information covered in the basic boating classes includes required safety equipment including life jackets; navigation rules; aids for navigation including light and sound signals; state and local regulations including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; anchoring with knots and lines; watersport safety, and more.
And an important rule is no drinking while operating a boat.
The cost is $20 per person; a book, America's Boating Course, third edition, from the national Sail and Power Squadron is sold separately for $35. The book is not mandatory but strongly encouraged as it can be a reference book for individuals and their families.
Ohio law requires any person born after Jan. 1, 1982, to show proof of having taken a basic boating safety course if he or she operates a boat powered by a motor 10HP or greater, so this is a good course to accomplish that requirement, Mrs. Leutz said.
The upcoming courses are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 at the Moose Lodge in Sylvania; March 11 and March 18 at River View Yacht Club in Point Place, and April 15 and April 22 at Perrysburg Township Fire Department. Police, fire, and EMTs get half off of April classes (not materials). Contact Phyllis Zibbel at phylzib@yahoo.com or 419-261-9060. Please register at least one week prior to the class. Memberships are also available, which include social activities and boating outings.
The Toledo Power Squadron, formed in 1938, is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, organized in 1914. It’s America's largest nonprofit boating organization with 60,000-plus members organized into districts then 450 squadrons. The Toledo Power Squadron is a member of District 29.
Each squadron has three primary objectives: community service, continuing education, and camaraderie of fellow members via recreational seamanship education, vessel safety checks, and lake cruises. The Toledo Sail and Power Squadron meets once a month, from September through June, for regular business meetings at the Toledo Yacht Club.
First Published February 9, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
