Helping boaters understand weather basics

by BoatUS on 28 Aug 2014 For boaters, sailors or anglers, knowing the forecast and understanding the weather can mean the difference between smooth, sunny sailing or slogging through uncomfortably rough seas. Weather for Boaters, a new online course from the United States Power Squadrons (USPS) and the BoatUS Foundation aims to teach boaters the basics of weather and forecasting so they may recognize and prepare for storms coming their way, interpret cloud formations and wind shifts, learn when to prepare for lightning and thunderstorms, and more.

'Weather for Boaters follows the traditions of USPS to prepare boaters to make informed decisions on the water.' said Robert Baldridge, Chief Commander, US Power Squadrons. The course is an easy-to-follow boater’s guide to forecasting, winds and storms that will help any boat owner decide when it’s time to go out, head back in, or seek cover. Included is an understanding of weather elements such as air masses, fronts and winds, storms, squalls and fog. It also helps boaters know the early signs of changing weather and how to use a barometer and weather map. It may also help race committees reduce risk.

As a special offer, Weather for Boaters is available until September 30 for just $29.95. Additional USPS/BoatUS Foundation online learning courses such as Partner in Command, which is great for first mates, and Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes are also available until September 30 for the same the special pricing of $29.95 per course. To receive the discounted special pricing on these courses, enter the promotional code 'weather' when signing up here.

The United States Power Squadrons is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable through teaching boaters courses and seminars covering dozens of topics. To date, over four million boaters have taken a USPS course or seminar. The partnership with the BoatUS Foundation aims to increase the accessibility to boating education courses by tapping into the Foundation’s expertise at presenting engaging and effective course materials for online study at home. United States Power Squadrons have over 30 advanced courses and seminars taught by local squadrons that will be made available online in the next two to three years.

The BoatUS Foundation has its roots when Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Founder and Chairman Richard Schwartz testified before Congress in 1969 that led to the watershed Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971. Today, the BoatUS member-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, The Foundation’s Online Boating Safety Course is the only free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course in 33 states. To date, over one million boaters have taken the course.