OGDENSBURG - The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ogdensburg Flotilla, is sponsoring two free drawings for their “About Boating Safely” course at the 2019 Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Expo March 22 to 24.

The first drawing will be held at the end of the day on Friday, March 22, and the second at the end of the day Saturday, March 23. Young people 10 to 18 years old can sign up at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Expo table in the Schermerhorn Marina booth. No purchase is necessary to enter and entrants do not have to be present to win.

Winners may attend any of the nine boating courses offered by the Ogdensburg Flotilla during the 2019 boating season.

New York State requires operators of all personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski or Sea Doo, who must be 14 years of age, and also motor boat operators born on or after May 1, 1996 who are at least 10 years of age, to complete a certified boating safety course.

The U.S.C.G. Auxiliary’s “About Boating Safely” course meets this requirement. The certificate and laminated card are awarded at the end of the course and are valid in New York State and all 50 states. The card is easily replaced if lost or damaged by contacting the Ogdensburg Flotilla.

Further information about the drawing and About Boating Safely course dates can be obtained by calling the Auxiliary Hotline at 315-605-8041.

The United State Coast Guard Auxiliary is a 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, visit www.cgaux.org.