Boating Safety and Skills

Both the United States Sail & Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are groups of boating enthusiasts who volunteer their time to make the water a safer place. They share a similar mission: to improve boating safety through education and community service.

A key example of their teamwork is the Vessel Safety Check program, where volunteers from both groups give free safety inspections to boaters. They also both teach a variety of public boating courses and are dedicated to helping their fellow boaters.

The main difference is their relationship with the government. The Auxiliary is the official civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard, while the Squadrons are an independent, private organization. This means the Auxiliary can help the Coast Guard with a broader range of missions, like search and rescue, while the Squadrons focus primarily on boating education and fellowship.

America’s Boating Club® is for all types of boaters – novice or experienced, in coastal or inland waterways. We bring boaters together to improve their skills, make connections, or just enjoy time together. Our boating courses and seminars are just the beginning – beyond the classroom a world of boating fun awaits!

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is a civilian organization established by Congress in 1939. It augments Coast Guard missions like search and rescue, pollution response, and security patrols. With units nationwide, its primary mission is to promote recreational boating safety and provide trained crews to support Coast Guard operations.

Boat Rentals, Professional Sailing Instruction, Captained Sailing Charters & A World Class Boat Club… all 15 minutes from Sun City Center at Little Harbor Marina in Ruskin Florida!

Beyond Ruskin's peaceful shores, the expansive waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico provide countless opportunities for exciting water adventures. In Ruskin, you don’t need to own a boat to experience the beauty of the sea, thanks to three popular and accessible options available to residents and visitors alike.

Rent Your Own Boat Little Harbor Watersports offers a straightforward solution by providing boat rentals. You can choose a boat for the day, which is a perfect option if you want the freedom to go fishing, enjoy watersports, or simply cruise around at your own pace. They provide everything you need, from the boat to safety equipment, making it a hassle-free experience.

Learn to Sail or Go on a Charter Flagship Sailing is ideal if you're interested in the art of sailing. You can enroll in their professional sailing courses to learn the skills yourself. If you'd rather relax, you can book a sailing charter with a professional captain who will handle the navigation, allowing you to simply enjoy the views and the experience of being on the open water.

Join a Boat Club For those who want frequent access to boats without the burden of ownership, The Freedom Boat Club is a great option. It operates on a membership model where you pay a fee and have unlimited use of a diverse fleet of boats. The club handles all the maintenance, cleaning, insurance, and storage, so you can enjoy all the fun of boating with none of the typical ownership responsibilities.

Welcome to the Nautical Neighborhood

Tired of just "going boating?" It's time to find your community. Welcome to the Nautical Neighborhood—more than just a place to dock your boat, it's a vibrant fellowship built on a shared passion for life on the water. The open water may be your sanctuary, but the Nautical Neighborhood is your home.

Circular logo for Freedom Boat Club with a boat graphic in the center, surrounded by the text 'FREEDOM' at the top, 'BOAT CLUB' at the bottom, 'ESTD' and '1989' on the sides.

Are you a Freedom Boat Club Member?

Volunteering to skipper a pontoon boat on a lunch cruise is a great way serve the Club, meet new friends, and enjoy a great day on the water. Interested in learning more? Call or text David Christensen 610-216-6148 or email davidjannlauren@aol.com Thanks!