Boaterwise, which offers on-water instruction on Lake Texoma, Texas, is one of nearly 20 training companies that list with the BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training Locator, helping to connect the company to boaters seeking behind-the-helm experience.
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SPRINGFIELD, Va., April 2, 2025 – The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water knows that on-water training can help reduce accidents and injuries, improve confidence behind the helm and help boaters get more out of the boating lifestyle. To make it easier for boaters to find boat-handling instruction as well as grow providers of behind-the-helm training, the Foundation is inviting on-water training schools, including local boat training companies, nonprofits, associations, clubs, individual captains or anyone offering boating instruction, to be included in its new online BoatUS On-Water Training Locator.

Building upon its long-standing free online boating safety course for 37 states as well as its On-Water Training Program started in 2019, the new BoatUS On-Water Training Locator supports the nonprofit’s goal of educational outreach directly to boaters.

To support the program, a listing on the On-Water Training Locator is $99 per month and includes links to training providers’ websites and course offerings. In exchange, the Foundation markets the locator to the more than 725,000 BoatUS members, the Foundation’s 200,000-plus annual state certification course takers and the public.

“We’ve found that once boaters take our state-recognized NASBLA-approved course, some wish for more practical boat handling training, and there’s no better way than an on-water training course taught in a supportive environment with a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed instructor,” said BoatUS Foundation Education Program Manager, Alan Dennison. “Our new locator connects boaters to local training opportunities, whether they simply want to try out boating for the first time or they’re more seasoned operators looking to improve docking skills, open-water handling or other areas for improvement.

“For the businesses, organizations and captains offering on-water instruction, a listing on the locator can help them increase their marketing reach and grow revenue,” added Dennison.

Curriculum offered by educators listed on the BoatUS On-Water Training Locator include a range of course offerings. These include the four levels of the National Safe Boating Council modular curriculum for beginner to experienced boaters, as well as potential offerings from US Powerboating, Recreational PowerBoating Association, American Boating, American Sailing Association and US Sailing. Additional course offerings may include women only courses, courses on navigation, and multiday powerboat and sail cruising, and other boating skills development including customized one-on-one instruction.

To inquire about listing yourself or your business, email onwater@boatus.com.

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About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 725,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation's largest free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses. The Foundation is rated 4 out of 4 stars by Charity Navigator, an independent charity assessment organization.