Island six-graders take part in boating class
Every fall for over 20 years, the sixth grade class at The Sanibel School has taken a Safe Boating course taught by members of the America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva.
This year, the class also spent the day on the Pine Island Sound.
Following five weeks of boating instruction that included building Lego boats and learning about everything from ATONS to the safety equipment required on board, the students boated out to the bay, over to the Sanibel Lighthouse and to Picnic Island. At the island, they disembarked to search the shores and waters for marine creatures, shells and “treasures.”
Throughout the trip, a marine biologist worked with the students pointing out birds, dolphins, mangroves and more. The students also completed a Scavenger Hunt by identifying ICW Markers, number of mammals seen, the boat captain’s name and such.
At the end of the course, the students will take the exam to earn their Florida Boating Certificate.
Adventures in Paradise Cruises donated the boat trip for the students. Additionally, the annual course taught by the club is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Power Squadron Education Fund.