Safety and Education has been busy behind the scenes ordering First Aid supplies, scheduling fire extinguisher inspections, and working with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to plan Vessel Safety Checks. Lots of fun educational programming is in the works too!

Vessel Safety Checks

With a Vessel Safety Check, you will have the peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and that in an emergency, you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help. In many cases, boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels which undergo a Vessel Safety Check every year. If your boat does not pass, no citation is issued at that time. Instead, you are provided a written report on how to correct any discrepancies. As soon as a date is confirmed for this Safety Check by the Coast Guard, it will be shared via email, Facebook, and flyers at the club.

First Aid Kits

First Aid kits will be fully stocked by May 13th. A map of first aid kit locations will be shared.

Yoga

Whether you are a cruiser or a racer, strength and balance are vital for performance and safety when aboard. Free yoga classes will be held every Saturday at 10am beginning June 4th. More info to come.

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******  ECSC LADIES SAIL ******

Save the Date! The ECSC Ladies Sail will be held on Saturday, August 6th. More info to come!

Abby Harlan
Safety & Education Chair

As we await Spring, the Winter Training Series continues at Indianapolis Sailing Club.  Most recently, pro sailor, Andrew Kerr, facilitated the North-U Trim Sails Seminar on February 12th where four Eagle Creek members were in attendance.  Next month’s free training is on March 5th and will cover basic racing tactics; don’t miss it!

This season, Safety and Education will be offering expanded programming to meet the diverse needs of all ages and abilities at the club.  We will off free monthly Saturday morning workshops on topics such as outboard-engine maintenance, sail care and repair, useful knots, and basic-boating safety will be offered.  Look for more information as volunteer instructors and workshop topics are finalized.

ECSC is also partnering with two new community partners in planning exciting educational opportunities for all members.  The Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center will be facilitating open-water bird-watching workshops, and the Indiana Astronomical Society (IAS) will be offering a free celestial navigation course.  Additionally, IAS will be hosting star-viewing parties on our grounds where members will be able to use high-tech equipment to view the night sky alongside knowledgeable and seasoned astronomers.  More info to come as these partnerships develop.

Being fit and strong enough to keep yourself, your boat, and your crew safe while sailing is vital…particularly as we graduate to bigger boats and waters.  This year ECSC will offer regular free yoga classes that focus on balance and strength.  Look for more info and the link to registration in April.

Safety, as always, is a priority for the club.  The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting free vessel safety checks in late spring; dates will be shared when finalized.  CPR & First Aid will also be offered at the club this summer.

Finally, if you have any suggestions for educational programming or would like to host a training/educational opportunity for the club, please contact me, Abby Harlan at apharlan15@gmail.com.

Abby Harlan

Safety & Education