A Three-Part Toast

Whether we enjoy the water from a boat, on skis or boards, or as swimmers, there are three major organizations that deserve our appreciation and respect. They ensure that we have the information needed for safety in and around the water, and they are there in emergencies when and if we get into trouble. (There are others as well, but these three are the focus of this article.)

We at Western Outdoor Times/Arizona Boating & Watersports toast them all.

Arizona Game & Fish Department

The Arizona Game And Fish Department's Boating Safety Education courses include instruction on the basic skills required to safely operate a boat or PWC, trailering your vessel, navigational rules, buoys, anchoring, legal requirements, boating emergencies, watersports and paddling.

Take a boating education course now! Most insurance companies offer a discount on your boat or PWC insurance rate for completing one of our courses.

Courses are offered in three formats: classroom courses, home-study courses and online courses. Becoming a safe and knowledgeable boater is just a click away.

For more information, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/edits/boating_education.shtml.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Who We Are -

The Coast Guard's philosophy is to be SEMPER PARATUS (ALWAYS READY) against all threats and all hazards. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of that philosophy and the Coast Guard Forces.

We conduct safety patrols on local waterways, assist the Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating-safety classes, conduct free vessel-safety checks for the public, as well as many other activities. The Auxiliary has members in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam.

Our Vision -

As a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, and a servant of the public, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, in its role as the designated National Recreational Boating Safety Coordinator, is a leader in improving the boating experience of the maritime public.

We are an organization noted for working in partnership with all stakeholders within the waterways-activity spectrum and across all modes of transportation to reach consensus solutions. We measure our success by our customer satisfaction, and our customers' needs help define our workload and priorities.

Our Mission -

To minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventive means, in order to maximize safe use and enjoyment of U.S. Waterways by the public.

For more information, visit http://wow.uscgaux.info/

Phoenix Sail And Power Squadron

Inland And Coastal Recreational Boating -

Although surrounded by desert, the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron offers great ways to help satisfy a desire for recreational sail and power boating. If you would like to learn more about how that's done, read on. And, when you get out on the water look for our boats with our burgee on our bow staff or starboard spreader and the USPS® Ensign attached to our stern staff.

Phoenix, Ariz., is home for the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron. The squadron was founded in 1960 as a unit of the United States Power Squadrons® whose origin traces back to 1914. The Squadron offers comprehensive Boating Safety Courses and special topic Seminars for the boating public at various times and places during each year.

The Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron is made up of men and women who have a common love and appreciation of recreational boating and who are willing to contribute time, energy, and skills to the objectives of the Squadron.

USPS Triangle Of Opportunities -

This site offers information pertaining to the opportunities for social boating, civic service, and boating education enjoyed by members of the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Phoenix Sail & Power Squadron, or for more information, visit http://www.phoenix-usps.org/

Membership in USPS has many benefits - Fraternal, Education, Civic Service -we have it all! Our many benefits are a real plus!