The Valley Power and Sail Squadron is inviting the public to learn more about its programs on Saturday, May 23.
The squadron is among the organizations taking part in the Community Programming Open House at Abbotsford Centre (33800 King Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The organization covers the areas of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope and Agassiz-Harrison.
The squadron holds boating courses, monthly meetings, cruises and socials.
The 173 squadrons across Canada have a common purpose – “to increase safely and pleasure on the waterways through education.”
The local squadron consists of members who operate any kind of boat — from kayaks to large power or sailboats.
The group hosts a monthly meeting and gathers for numerous social activities, including “cruises” at places such as Harrison Lake, Indian Arm and the Gulf Islands.
Courses are offered for all types of boaters – from obtaining a pleasure craft operator’s card to advanced navigation and GPS charting.
Those who complete the course and pass the “pleasure craft operators” exam receive a Canadian Coast Guard pleasure craft operator card.
A VHF radio course is also offered in the fall and spring.
For course information or for more details about the Valley Power and Sail Squadron, call Bruce Matheson at 604-824-8616 or Charleen Blackall at 604-859-6102 or visit boatingcourses.ca.
Safe Boating Awareness Week is from May 16 to 22 across Canada.