Local Knowledge!
 

Many newbie boaters here have experience on lakes and rivers – that’s great. The ICW, Caloosahatchee River and Gulf of Mexico pose a different kind of boating experience. There are many way to learn about SWFL boating. Local captains will provide private tours on your boat of theirs. There are tour boats of course. And there are many power squadron options. 

For anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who will be operating a boat in Florida waters with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, the law requires them to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card. 

Here are some resources.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a one day class every third Saturday of the month. Learn about boat safety, equipment and regulations, and earn a state boating safety certificate.
 
AMERICA’S BOATING CLUB® Cape Coral Sail And Power Squadron (CCSAPS), Lee County, Cape Coral, Florida, is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons®, Inc. (USPS), the world’s largest non-profit educational boating safety organization. They are one of USPS District 22’s 18 squadrons located on the Gulf Coast of Florida.