ABC3, BYC, DSPS, WOTI
What’s this, alphabet soup? What are all these letters? Huh? Well, here goes:
1. ABC3: Name for the Unites States Power Squadrons’ well known course officially called America’s Boating Course, third edition, but shortened to ABC3
2. BYC: Baltimore Yacht Club
3. DSPS: Dundalk Sail & Power Squadron
4. WOTI: Week on the Island, an annual tradition whereby members of BYC are encouraged to live on their boat for the week – even if they have to go to work. There are activities day and night for all ages for the entire week.
Where is this going? Well, Baltimore Yacht Club and Dundalk Sail & Power Squadron partnered to teach children about boating safety. They made it convenient by offering the ABC3 course to children and adults who wanted to take it - right there in the club house. The course was taught, the exam given and certificates handed out - all in two hours per day for four days. All of the students passed!
In addition to the ABC3 course, the Club and the Squadron partnered on the following activities:
1. Taught kids (and a few parents) not only the importance of life jackets but demonstrated how and when to wear them and how difficult it is to put on a life jacket if you’re in the water.
2. Used coloring books provided by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources to show the youngest kids the importance of boating safety.
3. Taught kayaking to kids in the swimming pool and near the piers.
4. Had three local fireboats come and give demonstrations.
5. Had two local fire engines come and observe while the kids were shown how to use flares. With all of the proper permits obtained, they could set the flares off and dispose of them - legally.
6. Had a separate session on how to tie up your boat
Wayne Penczek, Commodore of Baltimore Yacht Club; John L. Hall, Commander of Dundalk Sail & Power Squadron and J. Streett Broadbent, Education Officer of the Squadron were pleased with the results and are looking for ways to expand the activities in the future.
