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The Kent Narrows Sail and Power Squadron (KNSPS) has completed its spring/summer roster of classes and trained Firefighters, Scouts, Scout leaders and local boaters. The Power Squadron’s mission is to provide educational opportunities for its members as well as the community and this year we had a great turnout!

The Basic Boating Safety Class had over 30 attendees, including 7 Firefighters, 18 Scouts and Scout leaders from local Troop 278, and 8 civilians. Jody Schulz, President of the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, places a very high value on boating safety, stating that he wants “all of their Firefighters to take the Basic Boating course before they do any water rescues!” One of the Scouts was overheard saying that this course really made him feel better about being out in a boat on the Bay because he now knew more about what to expect and how he could be both safe and helpful in an emergency.

In the Marine Communications class, students, including 3 Firefighters from the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, learned about equipment that is used for boat-to-boat communication and, when appropriate, to signal distress or an acute emergency. One Firefighter observed that “It’s important to know how to use this equipment so we can really get clear information about where a boater in distress actually is. We can waste precious time in a rescue if we don’t have an exact location.”

The Paddle Smart seminar gave local kayakers tips on safe paddling and was held at the KI Yacht Club. That group of 11 paddlers had a great opportunity to practice their skills and left with a “much improved tool kit” for paddling in our local waterways.

Other seminars were also well attended, with the Anchoring seminar having 11 participants and the Marine Radar seminar having 20. The KNSPS provides courses and seminars for its members and the public throughout the year. Information on future classes is available at www.uspsd5.org/squadrons/Kent_Narrows.html.