Boating & Water Safety Class information

Water Safety / Swimming Classes:

WCYC has been sponsoring accredited swimming lessons since 1968. Over that time, more than 4000 swimmer sessions have been taught. Lessons are offered each July to children 5 years of age and older and are offered at no charge.

These classes cover basic skills for safely being in and enjoying our lakes. Parents who register their children do not need to be club members.



The dates for Water Safety/Swim Classes in 2026 are:

Session I July 6 – 10

Session II July 13 - 17

Session III July 20 - 24

Registration will open the first week in June (likely June 3).

If you would like to receive an email with when registration opens >
Add Me To The 2026 Swim Class Registration Mailing List

Boating Safety Classes

Youth Boating / Youth Operator Permit
Minnesota law requires youths ages 12 - 17 to have either a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit or a similar certification from their home state.

WCYC sponsors these classes presented by the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Water Patrol. They teach the basics of safe boat operation and the students complete the state exam themselves. Each session is followed by lunch (pizza of course - it's at Zorbaz!) and allows for on-the-water training supervised by the instructors. Participants do not need to be club members (or children of members) to register.

2026 class dates will be:

Youth Boating Permit June Class - Wednesday 6/10/2026

Youth Boating Permit July Class - Wednesday 7/15/2026

Registration will open May 13.

If you would like to receive an email with when registration opens > 
Add Me To The 2026 Youth Operator Registration Mailing List

Boating Safety Instruction Classes for Women (aka 'Women at the Helm')
These free boating basics and safety classes, co-sponsored by Bertha Boatworks, are designed for those not generally at the helm or are new to operating their own boat. Participants learn how to start and stop their vessel, how to dock it, and basic handling principals. Also included are descriptions of what causes boating mishaps and how to minimize them, how to handle emergencies if you need to take over, what equipment should be on board, and common boating jargon.

2026 class dates will be:

Women At The Helm June Class - Thursday 6/18/2026

Women At The Helm July Class - Friday 7/10/2026 



Registration will open May 13.

If you would like to receive an email with when registration opens >
Add Me To The 2026 WATH Class Registration Mailing List

Guys Introduction to Boating: an introduction to boating class for men

Boating Safety Instruction Classes for Men (aka 'Guys at the Helm') - These free boating basics and safety classes, co-sponsored by Bertha Boatworks, are designed for those relatively new to boating. (Perhaps, a guy who grew up in a golfing family who finds himself married into an 'Up North', ' At The Cabin' , 'On the water' clan.)

Participants learn how to start and stop their vessel, how to dock it, and basic handling principals. Also included are descriptions of what causes boating mishaps and how to minimize them, how to handle emergencies, what equipment should be on board, and common boating jargon.

We are determining of there is enough interest to hold this class in 2026. 

If you are interested in attending please let us know here.
2026 Guys Intro to Boating survey