If you boat the Everglades, backwaters, or the 10,000 Islands, winter and spring are prime time on the water—and also when local knowledge matters most. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has announced its Winter–Spring 2026 schedule of boating safety and navigation classes, with several offerings that directly apply to our waters.
Classes are held on Marco Island and cover backcountry routes, weather patterns, emergency preparedness, and navigation challenges common throughout the Everglades region.
A Few Classes Relevant to Everglades Boaters
Rather than listing the full schedule, here are a few examples of courses that may be of particular interest to boaters who spend time in the Everglades and surrounding backwaters:
Navigating Everglades National Park (New)
A new course focused on routes, waypoints, and regulations inside Everglades National Park. The class explores selected access points and waterways in the park’s northeastern region, along with historical context, fragile ecosystems, and practical navigation considerations.
Boater’s Local Knowledge – Backwater Edition
Using charts, tracks, and on-the-water visuals, this course covers routes and conditions in the 10,000 Islands that aren’t always obvious from a map alone. It builds on foundational navigation knowledge and focuses on real-world backcountry conditions.
Weather & Boating
Florida weather can change quickly, especially in shallow or remote waters. This class addresses tides, storm patterns, forecasting tools, and trip-planning considerations specific to local conditions.
Suddenly in Command
Designed for passengers or occasional operators, this course covers vessel basics and what to do if the primary operator becomes incapacitated or unable to continue.
More Than Just One or Two Classes
The Winter–Spring schedule also includes instruction in knots and lines, navigation rules, personal watercraft safety, and the full-day Boat America course, which satisfies Florida’s boating safety education requirements.
Learn More
All classes are held at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Station at Caxambas Park on Marco Island. Dates, times, and costs vary by course.
For the full schedule and registration details, visit: wow.uscgaux.info
