Free boat safety inspections:

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary wants to help boaters prepare for the boating season with free boat safety inspections and safety courses. It is providing boat safety checks at the Fox Lake McDonald's, 40 Route 12, on Sunday, June 1, and at the Broken Oar, 614 Rawson Bridge Road, Port Barrington, on Saturday, June 7, starting at 10 a.m. The next boating safety course is at the Boating Warehouse, 123 Christopher Way, Fox Lake, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 31. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free safety checks anytime and anywhere. They ensure boaters have the necessary items aboard, such as fire extinguishers and life jackets, as well as making sure lights and navigation are working correctly. The group says there are more than 1,059 vessels registered in Lake and McHenry counties, but only a handful take advantage of this free inspection service.