Flotilla 64 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Gloucester, will offer free vessel safety checks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at West Marine Express, Gloucester Point. Auxiliary members will be on hand to answer boating questions, as well as to schedule safety checks for a later date.

Also, the flotilla will offer its final “About Boating Safely” class for the year from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad Station #3, Hayes. The course satisfies the Virginia Boating Safety Education requirement that all operators of personal watercraft and boats with a 10-horsepower or greater engine have the class.

Flotilla 64 is celebrating its 35th year. In addition to boating classes and vessel safety checks, flotilla members patrol the water in conjunction with the Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard as needed. The flotilla meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Those interested in one of the classes or fi...