Nautical Notes
by Marilyn Guille

    It's been two years now since my husband gave me one of the nicest Christmas presents I have ever received: the Ballenas Power Squadron Safe Boating Course. I took the course and passed it, and my life has never been the same since. For one thing, it's impossible now not to be aware of the safety requirements in any given situation on the water; it's also imperative to respond to calls for help from fellow boaters. We are painfully aware that next time it could be us.
    On a positive note, we are now connected with a huge group of other mariners like ourselves, and have the option of taking some of the more 'advanced' courses. (It's my personal goal to get my Small Craft Master's Ticket one day - good thing I'm not in any hurry.)
    Ballenas Power Squadron, and its "baby sister," the Nanoose Squadron, are both chapters of the coast-to-coast Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, a voluntary organization. Locally, there are about 250 members between the two. In addition to being "graduates" of Safe Boating (it's a prerequisite to joining), we all share a common love of, and respect for, life on the water. We meet monthly for Member's nights to listen to guest speakers on a variety of topics, and to have a coffee together. We each receive a monthly newsletter, chock-full of useful boating information. We also enjoy two or three other special occasions annually, like the highlight of the year, the upcoming Christmas Party. Picnics and district events round out the year, and there are ongoing discussions of other potential social events.
    But the bottom line is that we all learned navigation skills in this forum. CPS has earned distinction across Canada as an organization held in high regard by all levels of government and other regulatory bodies. The basic Safe Boating Course is an excellent introduction to coastal waters for recreational boaters, and graduates are encouraged to continue practising their skills in the classroom, helping to teach others.
    Nearly everybody new to the Oceanside region comes here because of the coastal lifestyle, which often includes boating. If you see a boat in your future, please consider contacting the Power Squadron. Watch the local media in December for registration times and dates, and perhaps I'll be there to "welcome you aboard" at our next Member's Night.
    The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons will teach Safe Boating to 10,000 Canadians next year. Shouldn't one of them be you?

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