Tag Archives: Kent Narrows Power Squadron

Power Squadron Trains Firefighters, Scouts and More!

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.

Birds of a Feather Sail Together- Kent Narrows Power Squadron Offers Education, Fun and Friendship

By Avra Sullivan

The Kent Narrows Power Squadron seeks to educate members and the community through various classes on boating safety, and seamanship. Vessel safety courses can help you be prepared for an emergency (as well as a stop by the coast guard) including the appropriate use of you radio. There are even classes to help you with anchoring and properly shooting flames. While education is a key objective, members are far from spending all their time in a classroom. The power squadron is also about comradeship, consisting of members who have a common interest; boating and seamanship. “Membership is open to anyone”, says Audrey Lazarus who currently serves as the publicity officer for the squadron. “Whether you own a boat, thinking about owning a boat or don’t have a boat, all are made to feel welcome.” The squad holds monthly meetings with key speakers, as well as several events throughout the year including family picnics, culinary cruises, a pig roast and Oktoberfest festivities. They also seek to give back to the community. Each year, they assist with local food drives and Adopt –a- Bear programs. US Coast Guard trained examiners can also offer vessel safety examinations to any boat owner at no charge.

Despite what some may think, boating, is not a “boys’ club”. The Kent Narrows Power Squadron has an active ladies group which meets monthly and is fully involved in activities of the squad. There is also a “Partners in Command” course that can help set a couple on course to successful, and safe sailing. Teaching the wife for instance how to properly drive, and dock, the boat, if necessary in an emergency. “The more educated we all are about boat safety, the better we will be” says Audrey. While not an official part of the US Coast Guard, many members are either former, or current, coast guard officers. The majority of all the squadron’s educational materials are also provided by the Coast Guard. Most classes run one or two days and are all held locally, either at the Kent Island Yacht Club (where the squad is primarily based) or, more recently, at the Kent Island Volunteer fire department. More extensive courses are offered, such as long distance navigation classes and can run 6-8 weeks.

The Kent Narrows Squadron is one of over 400 squadrons nationwide. All are a part of the United Sates Power Squadron which was formed in 1914 as an organization committed to improving boat safety through education, as well as encouraging community involvement.

More information about the Kent Narrows Power Squadron can be found on their website at www.uspsd5.org or by calling Commander Tom German at 410-643-4168. You can also look up Kent Narrows Power Squadron on Facebook for more information on upcoming events.