HomeWater Safety Classes

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 2024 are:
Session I July 8 – 12
Session II July 15 - 19
Session III July 22 - 26

Registration is full for all sessions.
You can sign up to be notified about classes for 2025 when the schedule becomes available, about May 2025.
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Boating Safety:

Youth Boating - 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.

2024 classes are scheduled for Wednesday June 13 and Wednesday July 17. Classes are 9:00AM to 1:00PM.
Registration is now open:
Registration is open for July class.
Youth Boating Operator Permit July Class - 7/17/2024

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.

2024 classes are scheduled for Thursday June 13 and Friday July 17.
Registration is now open.
Registration
Women At The Helm July Class - 7/12/2024 Registration is full, wait list is full.
You can sign up to be notified about classes for 2025 when the schedule becomes available, about May 2025.

New for 2024- The Whitefish Chain Yacht Club and Lake Bertha Boatworks are pleased to announce
Guys At The Helm': 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 if you need to take over, what equipment should be on board, and common boating jargon.

This class, new for 2024 was held Friday June 13.
You can sign up to be notified about classes for 2025 when the schedule becomes available, about May 2025.