With Puget Sound in our backyards and the warm weather approaching, boating is the ideal leisure activity. June brings two events novice and experienced boaters might not want to miss.

Community members who lack experience or certifications can attend America’s Boating Course, a two-day boating skills and certification course from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Saturdays of June 8 and 15 in Anacortes.

The course is free and sponsored by America’s Boating Club of Deception Pass and the Skagit Bay Sail and Power Squadron. It will cover basic boat handling and docking, safety considerations, federal and state requirements for equipment and safety and nautical rules for the road.

The exam will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, June 17. By passing the exam, students will qualify for the Washington State Boater Education Card, which is required for boaters born after Jan. 1, 1955 and no younger than 12 years old, who operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower or greater motor.

The exact location of the course will be shared while registering, according to a press release. The registration deadline is June 3 and can be done online at deceptionpasssailandpowersquadron.com by clicking “class descriptions and sign-ups.”

Saturday, June 8, the America’s Boating Club of Deception Pass and the Oak Harbor Yacht Club will sponsor a marine buy-sell-swap meet, “a community member event for marine and boating-related items only,” according to Boating Club Commander and Instructor Jerry Liggett.

Professional vendors will not be allowed, according to a press release, and credit and debit cards are not accepted. Visitors are asked to bring cash or checks and can bring used and useful boating equipment, hardware and supplies they want to get rid of.

At the same time, they can find low-cost, clean and inspected crab gear for sale, which includes crab pots (with prices ranging from $25 to $50), leaded lines that are about 80 feet long, new rot cords, bait bags or boxes, and Washington State legal floats.

The boating club recommends prospective sellers to set up their own booth and to bring their own tarps, tents, tables and other gear, as they won’t be provided.

There will be no wi-fi on site, and participants must bring their own change and decide their own payment policies. Setup starts at 9:30 a.m. and the space must be vacated by 2:30 p.m.

For more information about these events, contact Jerry Liggett at jliggett4@hotmail.com.