Boating Education Course
9 hrs, 3 days (MTW) from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $35.00 for 1st family member; $30 for each additional family member
This 9-hour class teaches students basic boating skills including boating safety, rules of the waterways, aids to navigation, docking and casting-off procedures, VHF radio protocol, and the proper use of lifejackets and safety equipment. Operation of personal watercraft will be outlined. Students do not need to be able to swim to take this class. This class is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, it also meets safe boating requirements for individuals born after 1982 under Ohio and Michigan Law. A Certificate of Completion is presented to participants who successfully pass the test at the end of this safe boating course. Most insurance companies offer a discount on boating insurance when presented with this Certificate of Completion.
Course Schedule
June 9, 10, 11
6-9 PM
June 23, 24, 25
6-9 PM
July 7, 8, 9
6-9 PM
July 28, 29, 30
6-9 PM
Aug. 11, 12, 13
6-9 PM
Aug. 25, 26, 27
6-9 PM
Sept. 15, 16, 17
6-9 PM
Boating Education
Walbridge Park is host to the City of Toledo's Boating Education Center, a public facility which promotes the safe operation of watercraft. The Department of Neighborhoods works with a staff of nationally certified instructors who teach sailing, canoeing, and safe boating education courses. These popular classes emphasize the hands-on operation of watercraft including water safety and lifesaving. Weather permitting, the majority of classes are held on the water.
Contact: 936-3848 or 936-2875
Programs & Facilities
The City of Toledo is blessed with an abundance of water resources: a beautiful, active waterfront on the Maumee River and easy access to the Maumee Bay and Lake Erie. Of Toledo's 144 City Parks, five of our largest Parks are located directly on the Maumee River or the Maumee Bay.
The Toledo City Park System has two public boat launch sites. The first is located at Cullen Park in Point Place on Lake Erie's Maumee Bay. The second, at Walbridge Park, provides recreational boaters and fisherman easy access to the scenic, upper reaches of the mighty Maumee as it flows around islands where some of the best fishing pleasure boating in Ohio can be found.
Walbridge Park is also host to the City of Toledo's Boating Education Center, a public facility which promotes the safe operation of watercraft. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry employs a staff of nationally certified instructors who teach sailing, canoeing and safe boating education courses. These popular classes emphasize the hands-on operation of watercraft including water safety and lifesaving. Weather permitting, the majority of classes are held on the water.
Since it opened in 1985, the Community Boating Education Center has served over 31,000 individuals who have taken one or more classes. The City of Toledo Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry is proud of its role in making Ohio's waterways safer through educational programs.
Basic Water Safety - YEAR ROUND PROGRAM
45 minute presentation to large groups. The program is offered year-round.
Fee: No Charge
Time: M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Basic Water Safety is a program designed for groups of children, pre-school through 6th grade. Children are taught how to rescue someone who falls into the water without going in themselves and how to use life jackets and other safety equipment.
Students will participate in a "life jacket relay race" and have the opportunity to use other safety equipment. This program is taught at either the Community Boating Education Center at Walbridge Park or at the location of your choice.
This is an ideal program for church groups, scouts, school groups, clubs, etc. The schedule is flexible so that your needs can be met. This program can also be held at a pool incorporating small inflatable boats and life jackets.
Basic Water Safety can be scheduled by calling 419-936-3848 or 419-936-2875.
Educational Programs
Boating is a lifetime sport and leisure activity which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Adults, senior citizens and young people (10 years and older) all have a place at the Community Boating Education Center, located at Walbridge Park on Broadway, across from the Toledo Zoo. Groups, individuals and families are all welcome to experience the fun of boating! Some classes may require participants to be confident swimmers. Free parking is available for participants at the Community Boating Education Center.
SAFETY IS IMPORTANT
All participants will wear life jackets, at all times, while aboard watercraft and while on the docks. Instructional areas of the water will be supervised by Parks, Recreation and Forestry Community Boating Education Center personnel in outboard patrol/rescue boats.
Some classes may require participants to be able to swim.