America's Boating ClubUnited States Power Squadrons – District 20
America's largest nonprofit boating education organization — at the show to help you boat safer, smarter, and with more confidence on northern Illinois waters.
What Is America's Boating Club?
Organized in 1914 as the United States Power Squadrons (USPS®), America's Boating Club® is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in boat handling, navigation, and related subjects.
Members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education — and the organization has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.
District 20 brings together local squadrons across northern Illinois, and they'll be on-site at the Lake County Fall Boat Show to answer your questions and help you get connected.
Our Boating Objectives
Learn Boating Skills
From boat handling to celestial navigation, member instructors teach courses for every skill level — from first-time boaters to seasoned captains.
Engage in Fun Activities
Cruises, rendezvous, sail races, navigation contests, and fishing derbies — plus dinner-dances, picnics, and field trips ashore.
Connect with the Community
Boating families who give back through free public safety courses, courtesy vessel safety checks, and cooperative charting with federal agencies.
Community & Civic Services
Free programs that make the water safer for everyone — stop by their booth at the show to learn more or schedule a vessel safety check.
Public Boating Safety Courses
Offered for over half a century, these courses are open to the public with no age limit — more than 3 million boaters educated to date. Completing a course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all 50 states.
Courtesy Vessel Safety Checks
In cooperation with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, squadron members conduct free courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at their owners’ request — a great way to make sure your boat is ready for the season.
Cooperative Charting
Working with the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard, and NOAA, members report on geodetic marks, Aids to Navigation, bridges, and marina services — a major ongoing public service.
Courses for Every Boater
Every squadron offers carefully planned courses taught by experienced member instructors, with recognition for those who complete them. Whether you're new to boating or a lifelong skipper, there's a course for you.
Completing an America's Boating Club boating safety course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states — including the Illinois boating education requirement.
Explore CoursesMeet Them at the Show
Stop by the America's Boating Club – District 20 booth at the Lake County Fairgrounds, September 26–27, 2026. Free admission, free parking — bring your boating questions.