Bay boating volunteer recognized

Hugh Arey teaches students how to dock their powerboat.

Hugh Arey was awarded a Letter of Commendation by the National Water Safety Congress on March 2 at the International Water Safety Summit in San Diego. This award was given in recognition of his “contributions to water related educational recreational activities.”

Hugh has been a Bay Village Spirit of America volunteer for 15 years. He is a lifelong sailor and is an excellent teacher in the on-the-water portion of the class. Hugh is an experienced power boating volunteer who teaches young boaters to respect the privilege of operating a powerboat. He lives in Berea and is involved in the Berea Power Squadron. He goes by the nickname of “Oz” as he is known by the over 100 students he has worked with over the years. Hugh at 80-plus years of age is one of the oldest volunteers in the program.

The Bay Village Schools and the Spirit of America Foundation provide a free boating education program for seventh-grade students. The program requires students to complete the Ohio Boating Education Course and get hands-on instruction in a variety of watercraft. The program is funded by a boating education grant from ODNR–Division of Watercraft.

Information on the program can be found at www.spiritofamerica95.org. Additional volunteers are always welcome and can contact the coordinator at cuyahoga@spiritofamerica95.org.