MORRISTOWN -- Two local children recently completed the About Boating Safely course at the Black Lake Fish and Game Club.

Bowen Rodriguez and Tyana Elliott both received About Boating Safely certificates after completing the course. Their attendance at this course was made possible through the “Youth Sponsorship Program” administered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Ogdensburg, said a press release from the auxiliary.

Sponsorships from area businesses allow young people 10 to 17 years of age to attend the boating safety course for free.

“It is important for young people to develop safe boating practices when they are young as they will carry them throughout their entire lives,” said program founder Auxiliarist Tim Burke. “This program allows families to get their children potentially lifesaving information without becoming a financial burden.”

Businesses and organizations can get more information about becoming a sponsor by contacting the Ogdensburg Coast Auxiliary at 315-605-8041.

A limited number of sponsorships are available on a first come basis for the Hammond boating course, slated for August 14-15.

Call 315-605-8041 to register.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939.

For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.