America's Boating Club Oceanside

06/10/2026

Don’t let dead marine batteries ruin your perfect day on the water. Take our online seminar Introduction to Marine Batteries before heading out and learn how to:
✅Choose the best battery for your boat.
✅Maintain your battery for longer life.
✅Get the best performance from your charging system.
✅Work safely with batteries.

You'll also get expert tips on both lead-acid and lithium batteries, plus upgrade considerations.

Be ready for your next boating adventure, confident that your batteries won't fail! https://bit.ly/ABCMarineBatteries

06/09/2026

05/28/2026

Here are some tips on how to protect your vessel during a hurricane:

1️⃣ Strip the Deck 🌬️
Remove all canvas, cushions, and sails. In hurricane winds, these act like giant parachutes that can rip cleats right out of your deck. If it’s not bolted down, it’s a projectile!

2️⃣ Double Lines + Chafe Gear 🧵
Use oversized nylon lines for extra stretch. Most importantly, add chafe gear (like a heavy-duty hose) wherever lines touch the dock. Friction from a storm surge can melt a bare rope in minutes.

3️⃣ Center the Boat (The Spiderweb) 🕸️
Don't tie it tight! Use long spring lines to center the boat in the slip. This allows the boat to rise with the storm surge without getting pinned against the dock or pulled underwater.

4️⃣ Clear the Drains 🌧️
Hurricane rain is relentless. Ensure your scuppers (deck drains) are crystal clear. If they clog with debris, your cockpit fills like a bathtub, adding thousands of pounds that can swamp the boat.

5️⃣ Grab the "Go-Bag" 📸
Take your electronics and paperwork home. Pro Tip: Take "before" photos of your expert tie-down job. It’s your best evidence for insurance if the dock itself fails.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and watch the weather! 🌀💪

05/26/2026

The agency is forecasting a total of 8-14 named storms.

Early preparation essential to staying safe all season

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸⚓️

As we gather with friends and family on the water this holiday weekend, let’s carry their legacy with us by being responsible, safe, and respectful mariners. 🌊

Pause: Take a moment for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time.

Honor: Fly your ensign with pride and respect.

Protect: Look out for your fellow boaters and keep our waterways safe.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and safe Memorial Day weekend.

05/21/2026

Thinking of boating after dark? Consider these tips to avoid accidents when nighttime boating.

05/21/2026

There’s no better way to expand your boating horizons than with trailering. Especially with limited time, you can haul your boat to new and exciting destinations. Learn to tow, launch, and retrieve your boat like a pro with our online seminar Trailering Your Boat. This seminar covers everything you need to know:

✅ Choosing the right trailer, hitch, and tow vehicle
✅ Essential safety checks before and during your trip
✅ The art of towing—maneuver with ease
✅ Boat ramp etiquette for stress-free launch and retrieval
✅ Maintenance tips to keep your equipment in top shape
✅ Key points about registration, titling, and insurance

Take Trailering Your Boat today and be ready to hit the road for your next boating adventure! https://bit.ly/ABCTrailering

Choosing a trailer, tow vehicle, and other gear, how to haul the trailer, launch and retrieve your boat, boat ramp etiquette, trailer maintenance, insurance, and registration. online course

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to summer, and that means the waterways will be busy! 🇺🇸🚤
A little prep goes a long way in making sure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.

Here are our top tips for a safe and stress-free weekend out on the boat:

Assign a "Sober Skipper" 🍺🚫 – Designate someone to stay 100% sober to navigate. BUI is just as dangerous as DUI, and the heat and sun can amplify the effects of alcohol.

Check the Crowd 👥 – Busy holiday weekends mean lots of wakes and new boaters. Keep your eyes on a swivel, maintain a safe speed, and be extra patient at the fuel dock and boat ramp.

Audit Your Life Jackets 🛟 – Ensure you have enough Coast Guard-approved vests for everyone on board, and make sure they are easily accessible (not locked in a cabin!).

Weather Watch ⛈️ – Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly. Check the forecast before you leave the dock and keep a weather app handy.

File a Float Plan 📝 – Let someone on land know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. It’s the easiest way to ensure help can find you if you have mechanical trouble.

Fuel Up Early ⛽ – Avoid the holiday morning lines at the marina by fueling up a day or two in advance.

Let's honor the weekend by looking out for one another. See you out there! ⚓️✨

05/20/2026

Pointers to keep you and your boat safe when approaching, entering and leaving a lock.

05/18/2026

Looking for a fresh way to grow your Squadron? 💡

Check out this idea: Host a "Paddle Smart" Community Day! 🛶✨

Paddle sports are booming, and many new kayakers and SUP enthusiasts are looking for a community just like ours. Hosting a relaxed, fun-filled Paddle Smart event is the perfect "soft opening" to introduce your Squadron to a whole new generation of water lovers.

Why this works for your Squadron:

- Low Barrier to Entry: It’s less intimidating than a full navigation course and brings people right to the water’s edge. 🌊

- Showcase Your Expertise: Simple demos on life jacket fit or "how to stay visible to powerboats" prove our value immediately. 🛟

- Fun Recruitment: It’s easier to talk about the perks of membership while hanging out at the beach or a local launch ramp! 🤝

What a "Paddle Smart" day could look like:

- The "Cool Gear" Station: Show off the latest safety courses and equipment 🔦

- The Re-entry Challenge: A fun, wet demo on how to get back on a board or kayak. 💦

- Social Paddle: End the day with a group sunset paddle to build those community ties. 🌅

Let’s bridge the gap between power, sail, and paddle! It’s a great way to keep our traditions alive while welcoming new faces into the America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons family. ⚓️🙌

Share your ideas below! 👇

05/16/2026

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The National Safe Boating Week Kickoff is here (May 16th–22nd).

This is the perfect time to refresh your skills and get your vessel summer-ready before the Memorial Day rush. 🌊⚓️

Here’s what’s happening during this safety campaign:

Life Jacket Check: Ensuring the whole crew has a proper fit. 🛟

Vessel Safety Checks: Get a free inspection for your peace of mind. ✅

Float Plans: Learn why "telling someone where you’re going" is a lifesaver. 📝

Skill Sharpness: From engine cut-off switches to navigating weather changes. 🚤

Safe boating isn't just a week, it’s a lifestyle. Let’s start the 2026 season on the right note!

05/12/2026

Nothing beats the adrenaline of a ride like this! 🍌🌊 At America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, we’re all about maximum fun on the water.

Towing friends and family is a blast, so here’s how to keep the good times rolling:

- The Dedicated Spotter 👥 – Always have an observer facing aft. The captain watches the path ahead; the spotter watches the riders!

- Life Jackets are Non-Negotiable 🛟 – High-impact sports require properly fitted, high-visibility vests for everyone on the towable.

- Master the Signals ✋ – Ensure riders and the crew know the hand signals for "Faster," "Slower," and "I’m OK" before hitting the throttle.

- Kill Switch Ready 🔌 – Always use your Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS). If the captain leaves the helm, the boat needs to stop instantly.

- Watch the Prop 🚤 – Never board or exit while the engine is in gear. Keep it in neutral or OFF when swimmers are near the platform.

We love the thrill of the ride as much as you do! Stay smart so the smiles stay big. ⚓️✨

What’s your favorite towable? Tell us below! 👇

05/08/2026

This , we’re taking a deep dive into history with this classic, monochrome shot of the original United States Power Squadrons emblem. ⚓️📰

Established in 1914, our mission of safe boating and nautical education has spanned generations of mariners. It’s a powerful reminder of how long we’ve been dedicated to making your time on the water safer and more enjoyable. What was your first USPS course?

05/06/2026

America’s Boating Club Oceanside (SLRSPS) is reminding you to attend Happy Hour Social on Wednesday May 13, at the Broiler in the harbor! We will meet starting at 4:30 pm. I hope to see you all there!!

Don’t forget to come by West Marine this Saturday, May 9th for the Safe Boating Week Kickoff from 10 am – 2 pm at 1719 Oceanside Bld. in Oceanside.

Check out the upcoming classes on our website for boating, sailing, engine maintenance, and navigation.

Classroom Courses and seminars. OUR UPCOMING CLASSES America’s Boating Course Date:10 Feb 2026 – 28 April 2026Time:6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Instructor:P/C Kirk Lippert, JN – ONCaptain. Jack GuidaCdr. Shawn...

05/05/2026

A beautiful day on the water can turn into a long day on a tow line if your engine isn't up to par. 🛠️🛥️

Here is why keeping those props spinning correctly matters:

Reliability is Safety ⚓ – An engine failure at the dock is an inconvenience; an engine failure in a busy shipping channel or during a storm is a genuine emergency.

Fuel Efficiency ⛽ – Clean props and well-maintained engines run smoother and burn less fuel, saving you money for more time out on the water.

Prevent "The Drip" 💧 – Regular checks help you spot leaks or worn hoses before they lead to environmental damage or a flooded bilge.

Protect Your Investment 💰 – Saltwater is relentless. Routine flushing and sacrificial anode (zinc) replacement prevent corrosion from eating away at your lower unit.

Propeller Health 🌀 – Even a small ding in your prop can cause vibrations that damage your transmission over time. Keep them true and clear of fishing line!

Don't wait for a breakdown to give your engine some love. A little time in the yard means more time on the horizon! 🌊✨

05/02/2026

May is both National Boating Safety Month and National Water Safety Month.

Whether your family is cruising on the deck or jumping off the swim platform, the goal is the same: coming home safe. This month, let’s focus on the basics:

- Life jackets on for the little ones (and the big ones too!).

- Constant supervision whenever kids are near the water.

- Learning to swim as a life-saving skill.

Let’s make some safe, happy memories this May! 🌊🧒