CLEARWATER, FL (January 11, 2021) – With an influx of new boaters in 2020 comes the need for educational programs to keep everyone safe out on the water. Boating classes and continuing education is part of the MarineMax DNA. They've been offering boating safety classes to owners since June 1998. Seeing the need to transform in-person education to an online platform, MarineMax began conducting virtual courses and started a Boating Tips LIVE video podcast series.

Keith Lake, MarineMax Clearwater Delivery Captain, Host of the Boating Tips LIVE Video Podcast, and member of the Sea Tow Foundation's North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council comments, "Nationwide classes and an open forum podcast are designed to help new boating families feel comfortable and knowledgeable in their local communities. As a MarineMax Captain, I get to work one-on-one with every new boat owner that comes through our store. No matter the boat size, we want you to feel comfortable, so you have fun while out on the water. And as a member of the Advisory Council, I'm proud to advocate for easily accessible education within the boating industry." 

The Sea Tow Foundation and it's North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council recently announced winners of the National Boating Industry Safety Awards, which recognize the best boating safety work in the for-profit section of the recreational boating industry. A second-year repeat winner, MarineMax, took home top honors in a new category for the Top Marine Retailer with More Than Three Locations. 

Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail Kulp states, "MarineMax showcased a solid, proven plan for providing boating safety education, and they were able to adapt this to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. While previous years allowed for their educational classes to be conducted in person, their virtual classes attracted as much boating participation if not more than previous years."

Being a smart boater is easy with the variety of classes offered by MarineMax: Women on Water®, Kids in Boating, New Owners Workshop, Charting Plotting and Navigation, Fishing Seminars, and various other Boating Safety Classes. Search for upcoming educational opportunities in your area by visiting www.marinemax.com/events.