There’s a wonderful non-profit community organization in northwest Bradenton that has an active social network and is dedicated to providing boating safety and educational services to local boaters.  It’s called the Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron and it’s located at 1200 71st St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. 

The Anna Maria Squadron is just one of 17 other Squadrons in West Central Florida that are affiliated with the United States Powers Squadrons. If you are a Manatee County boater, you’ll definitely want to check out their page on Facebook to see all that they have to offer.

Boating Safety Education

The Anna Maria squadron provides America's Boating Course, which is a basic boating safety and Florida boating law class, as well as a variety of advanced and specialized classes.  Their next America's Boating Course will be held in 5 evening sessions (Mon. & Wed.) from October 24 to November 7, 2016.  They will also be hosting a Nautical Charts Seminar on November 9 and a Using GPS Seminar on November 14.  Go to the Squadron’s webpage for detailed course descriptions and more information.

The Squadron also provides free Vessel Safety Checks by appointment as a community service.  Among the things that are covered in these free Vessel Safety Checks are correct display of registration numbers, review of registration documentation, personal flotation devices-life jacket check, Type IV throw-able personal flotation device check, visual and audible distress signal (flare whistle, horn, siren, etc.) check, fire extinguisher check, ventilation check, and bilge, electrical and fuel system check.  To schedule a Vessel Safety Check to see that your boat is in compliance with applicable safety standards call 941-792-0394.

Becoming an official member of the Anna Maria Squadron offers a number of valuable benefits including boat insurance discounts, access to advanced boating classes, and buying discounts with national companies.  However, it would seem that the number one benefit is becoming part of an active social and community oriented group of people.  The Squadron has one business meeting each month and frequent social events, including their popular "Cruise and Rendezvous" luncheons.  All of this is aptly summed up in their motto: “Come for the Boating Education...Stay for the Friends.”

Thank you!

Heintz & Becker extends its thanks to the Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron and its dedicated members for all that they do to promote boating safety and education in our community. 

We hope that our sharing this information will help more people discover the Anna Maria Squadron and become involved in its good works.  We can work to make boating safer and hold careless and impaired boaters responsible for their actions.  Call us if you or a member if your family has been a victim of a boating accident caused by a careless or impaired boater.

Related Posts:

Heintz & Becker Boating Safety Series Part 7: Small Craft Advisories,

Heintz & Becker Boating Safety Series Part 6: Tips for Stocking Your Boat's First Aid Kit

Heintz & Becker Boating Safety Series Part 5: Wear It! Florida Campaign Provides a Great Holiday Gift Idea

Source(s):  Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron