Boating season is upon us, and the best summer on your Maxum is a safe summer on your Maxum. So what better time than now to update yourself and your family on boating knowledge and the rules of the road (or waterway, that is). The good news is that boating safety courses are easily accessible (you can even get boating certifications right through the internet), leaving you no excuse but to take advantage of one today.
The best classes to take are those sponsored by organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron or national or state boating agencies, such as the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). These associations offer courses across the country for every type of boater, and many of them are offered online. Here are a couple of the best online courses:

"Basic Boating Safety Certification Course"
www.boatsafe.com
Boatsafe.com is a user-friendly site and a great place to start your safety educations. The site also has a children's counterpart, Boatsafekids, which adds games and characters to make learning about safety fun for the younger boaters. Their general safety course covers basic safety knowledge that anyone on the water should have. Quizzes are taken online, and questions are answered quickly via email from a boating instructor who will also offer suggestions when necessary. Boat Safe's certification is approved by NASBLA, recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and meets many state's mandatory boating education requirements. The course can even qualify you for discounts on your boating insurance. Boatsafe.com also offers a "Coastal Navigation Course."

"Boat U.S. Foundation Online Boating Course"
www.boatus.org
For a quick and easy assessment of your knowledge, visit BoatUS.org. An assortment of classes are found as soon as you log on and their Online Boating Course comes highly recommended. This top-line quiz consists of 55-questions-- 50 general questions and five specific to your state. The class is specific to power boaters, perfect for Maxum owners, and approved by NASBLA. Check carefully, however, because certain states do not recognize this course for their requirements which is common with safety courses.

U.S. Coast Guard Safety Courses
www.uscgboating.org.
U.S. Coast Guard courses have proved to be some of the most popular safety classes to take. Their site in general should hold a place in your favorites as it is filled with great information for boaters. A glossary, boating news and an assortment of boating knowledge fills the pages of the Coast Guard Web site. Their safety class is one of the most comprehensive courses online, covering topics such as driving the boat, child safety, weather awareness and navigation. The course also proves to be an excellent opportunity to involve children in boating safety. Not only will the knowledge keep them safe onboard and give parents less to worry about, but instilling the importance of boating safety at a young age will lead to an appreciation of safety as they grow up to be boaters themselves.

For those that are not interested in online courses and want to learn in a hands-on environment, you can find classes in your area by visiting the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at www.cgaux.com. By clicking on the "boating classes" link, you can select your state and find several classes in your area approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Whether you choose to educate yourself with a few clicks of the mouse or by jumping onboard at a nearby safety class, now is the time to brush up on boating safety. It will not only make you a better boater but will make for a much more carefree Maxum boating season.