On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Mission Bay Aquatic Center is hosting Safe Boating Day, which is one of our favorite days of the year and one of the most important. The highlight of the day will be our Used Equipment Sale (happening from 9am-12pm) and deeply discounted classes, kicking off National Safe Boating Week. We will also have boating safety resources and materials available throughout the day.
Why Safe Boating Matters
The good news first: 2024 recorded the fewest boating fatalities in more than 50 years. Progress is real, and it’s the direct result of better education, better equipment, and more awareness on the water.
But the work isn’t done. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report, 87% of people who drowned in fatal boating accidents weren’t wearing a lifejacket. That number hasn’t changed much over the years, and it tells us something important. The biggest factor in boating safety isn’t necessarily the water, the weather, or the boat. It’s boating education and preparation.
Deeply Discounted Boating Safety Classes
From powerboating and sailing to wakesurfing and nighttime paddling, there’s something for everyone. Classes are open to all skill levels. Participants must be at least 14 years old and water-safe, meaning able to swim 50 meters and tread water comfortably.
Safe Boating Day is made possible by a grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways.
Boating Safety Classes
Safe Powerboat Handling – $40
Perfect for first-time skippers and boaters seeking to build confidence and improve their skills, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to safe and effective powerboat operation. Through a combination of interactive classroom sessions and hands-on practice on the water, participants will learn essential powerboat handling techniques, navigation principles, troubleshooting common issues, and more. During this class, participants will learn about the necessary steps to obtain their California Boater Card.
- Sunday, May 17, 2026, 9:00am-12:00pm REGISTER NOW>>
- Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:00pm-4:00pm REGISTER NOW>>
Intro to Keelboat Sailing – $20
This introductory course offers participants a hands-on sailing experience aboard a 24-foot keelboat with a qualified instructor, emphasizing essential boating safety practices. Learn key sailing terminology and foundational concepts while gaining an understanding of how a sailboat operates. Topics include how sails work, parts of the boat, points of sail, and crucial safety procedures such as proper life jacket use, understanding right-of-way rules, and emergency preparedness on the water. Ideal for those new to or curious about sailing, this course provides a safe and informative way to try sailing before enrolling in a full-length program.
- Sunday, May 17, 2026, 9:00am-12:00pm REGISTER NOW>>
- Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:00pm-4:00pm REGISTER NOW>>
Wakesurfing Session & Safety – $50
This session is a fun and informative opportunity to enjoy time on the water while learning important safety practices for wakesurfing. Led by licensed MBAC instructors, this clinic will not only allow participants to develop their wakesurfing skills, but we will also discuss the unique boat handling safety considerations when towing wakesurfers. Participants will get to wakesurf behind our Nautique GS20s.
- Sunday, May 17, 2026, 8:00am-11:00am REGISTER NOW>>
Moonlight Paddling – $10
Experience a new perspective on paddling and discover the unique beauty of paddling at night. This session is designed for those interested in learning the unique safety considerations and requirements of nighttime kayaking and stand up paddling. You will learn about essential skills, equipment, and best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening on the water. Whether you’re new to paddling after dark or looking to build confidence, join us for this educational and unforgettable experience on Mission Bay.
- Sunday, May 17, 2026, 6:30pm-9:00pm REGISTER NOW>>
Whether you sign up for a class or just stop by to browse the used equipment sale or pick up some safe boating resources and materials, we’d love to see you out here on May 17. The more people who know how to be safe on the water, the better it is for everyone sharing it.