On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Mission Bay Aquatic Center will be celebrating Safe Boating Day with several activities designed to kick off National Safe Boating Week. Most boating deaths are preventable — in 2022, 85% of people who drowned in fatal boating accidents weren’t wearing a life jacket. The National Safe Boating Week campaign highlights the importance of responsible boating and water safety ahead of the busy summer season.
Activities include deeply discounted boating safety classes (listed below), used equipment sale, as well as free safe boating swag and resources. From nighttime paddling and safe powerboat operation to keelboat sailing and wakesurfing safety, these focused classes offer something for everyone looking to build skills and stay safe on the water. The classes below are open to all skill levels. Participants must be at least 14 years old and water-safe (able to swim 50 meters and tread water comfortably).
These activities are made possible by a grant from the California State Parks Division of Boating & Waterways.
BOATING SAFETY CLASSES
Safe Powerboat Handling – $20
Perfect for first-time skippers and boaters seeking to build confidence and improve their skills, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to safe and effective powerboat operation. Through a combination of interactive classroom sessions and hands-on practice on the water, participants will learn essential powerboat handling techniques, trailering basics, navigation principles, troubleshooting common issues, and more. During this class, participants will learn about the necessary steps to obtain their California Boater Card.
- Safe Powerboat Handling – May 18, 2025, 9:00am-12:00pm $20.00 REGISTER NOW>>
- Safe Powerboat Handling – May 18, 2025, 1:00pm-4:00pm $20.00 REGISTER NOW>>
Intro to Keelboat Sailing – $20
This introductory course offers participants a hands-on sailing experience aboard a 24-foot keelboat with a qualified instructor, emphasizing essential boating safety practices. Learn key sailing terminology and foundational concepts while gaining an understanding of how a sailboat operates. Topics include how sails work, parts of the boat, points of sail, and crucial safety procedures such as proper life jacket use, understanding right-of-way rules, and emergency preparedness on the water. Ideal for those new to or curious about sailing, this course provides a safe and informative way to try sailing before enrolling in a full-length program.
- Intro to Keelboat Sailing – May 18, 2025, 9:00am-12:00pm $20.00 REGISTER NOW>>
- Intro to Keelboat Sailing – May 18, 2025, 1:00pm-4:00pm $20.00 REGISTER NOW>>
Wakesurfing Safety Session – $50
This session is a fun and informative opportunity to enjoy time on the water while learning important safety practices for wakesurfing. Led by licensed MBAC instructors, this clinic will not only give participants the opportunity to develop their wakesurfing skills, but we will also discuss the unique boat handling safety considerations when towing wakesurfers. Participants will get to wakesurf behind our Nautique GS20 rowboats.
Moonlight Paddling – $5
Experience a new perspective on paddling and discover the unique beauty of paddling at night. This session is designed for those interested in learning the unique safety considerations and requirements of nighttime kayaking and stand up paddling. You will learn about essential skills, equipment, and best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening on the water. Whether you’re new to paddling after dark or looking to build confidence, join us for this educational and unforgettable experience on Mission Bay.
FREE SAFE BOATING DAY SWAG/MATERIALS
To celebrate, Mission Bay Aquatic Center will be giving away free Safe Boating Day swag and materials while supplies last on May 18, 2025. Get set for summer fun with fun gear like reusable totes, water bottles, hats, drink coozies, sunglass croakies, and more. There will also be free California boating safety resources available to make sure you are set with all of the rules and regulations on California waterways.