Learn. Explore. Get Certified.

Hands-On, Safety-Focused Boating for Young Learners

Give your youth the skills and confidence to enjoy Ohio’s waterways safely. Our small-group program blends classroom learning with real on-water experience, guided by certified captains who put safety first.

Our Mission

Boat Safe exists to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become safe, responsible, and enthusiastic boaters.

Why Families Choose Boat Safe

A Program Built for Safety, Confidence, and Real Experience

Every part of the Ohio Boat Safe 3-Day Youth Experience is designed to help young learners ages 10-18 grow on and off the water. With certified captains, hands-on practice, and personalized instruction, students gain the skills they need to boat safely and responsibly.

SAFETY COMES FIRST

Our program is led by credentialed captains who are BCI-cleared and trained in First Aid and CPR.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Students learn by doing. Each activity builds real boating skills in a calm, supportive environment.

SMALL-GROUP INSTRUCTION

With only four students per class, each learner receives personalized guidance and close supervision.

CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITY

Students take the official Ohio Boater Education Test during the program to earn their Ohio Boater Education Certificate.

Boating is a major part of life in Ohio.

Ohio has more than 630,000 registered boats, making it one of the top boating states in the country.

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Families spend a lot of time on the water.

Ohio boaters logged over 315 million hours on the water in a single year.

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Operators face higher risks without training.

National data shows that 1 in 4 boating injuries involve people under age 20.

Safety education makes a real difference.

Lack of formal training is a top factor in Ohio’s 120+ boating incidents each year.

Shaping Safe, Confident Boaters for Life

At Boat Safe, we believe every young person deserves the chance to learn, explore, and grow on the water. With guidance from certified captains and a focus on hands-on learning, students gain real skills that build confidence far beyond the boat. We’re here to make boating safe, accessible, and inspiring for youth across Ohio.