Free boating seminar offered

Powerboaters, paddlers and sailors who are novices or newcomers to Southwest Florida are welcome to attend a free Feb. 11 event designed to help them with everything from etiquette and eco-tips to safe-boating techniques and getting around.

Boat Safe/Boat Smart is at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at the Matlacha Community Center, 4577 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha. It's a quick drive from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, southern Charlotte County and greater Pine Island.

Presentations include speakers from Lee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary, Lee County Natural Resources, Tow/BoatUS, Lee County Sea Grant and Lee County Parks and Recreation as well as local boating columnist, Betsy Clayton. A Sanibel Police marine officer who specializes in fitting children and adults correctly in life vests also will be there.

Safe boating techniques and equipment, boating and boat-ramp etiquette, and environmental impacts of boating are among the topics to be discussed. Also on the agenda are common boating mistakes, information on local boat ramps, and services available online through the Department of Natural Resources Marine Program.

The evening workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is required due to limited space. Call (239) 283-4110 or (239) 707-6485. The workshop is sponsored by Lee County Parks and Recreation and Florida Sea Grant.