Time to think spring; boating safety courses available

MADISON --- Wisconsin has more than 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. With all the available surface water in the state, it is not surprising that recreational boating is a popular choice in Wisconsin’s outdoor activities, as well as a significant part of the state's economy and tourism industry.

As spring approaches and ice gives way to cool waters, consider a boating safety course to ensure healthy, happy, and safe voyages for years to come. Boating safety courses start in March and April around the state. The courses teach:

• Navigation rules, basic safety, and waterway marking systems.
• All about boats, classification of boats, hull designs, and motors.
• Legal requirements including registration and equipment requirements.
• Getting underway, preparation, loading, boarding, cruising, docking, anchoring, knots, trailering, courtesy, and maintenance.
• Boat accidents, emergency measures, aquatic safety, alcohol usage, visual distress signals, fire on board, and first aid.

Wisconsin boating safety administrator Roy Zellmer notes, “At DNR, we want you to be safe enjoying Wisconsin’s waterways. The investment of eight hours and $10 in a classroom boating safety course is a great way to protect your safety and that of your passengers.”

Wisconsin boating safety certification or out of state equivalent certification is required for operating a boat in Wisconsin for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1989 and at least 16 years of age. Operators 12 to 15 years of age must either have a certificate or have an adult on board while operating. Anyone 10 years of age or older is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education completion certificate. The certificate does not become valid until the child reaches 12 years of age.

Online boating safety courses are also now available but not recommended for children under 14 years of age. People who encounter problems with the online course should contact Susan Holcombe at [susan@boat-ed.com] or call (800) 830-2268. There is a $10 charge for the boating safety test that will be collected online. People who pass the online boating test (achieve a score of 80 percent or better), will immediately be able to print out a temporary certificate valid for 90 days. Official Wisconsin boating safety education certificates will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Passing the Wisconsin boating safety course also makes people eligible for a discount on boat or PWC insurance with many insurance providers. A copy of the boater safety certification card should be sent to the insurance agency.

Upcoming boater safety classes are listed on the Upcoming Recreational Safety Education Classes page of the DNR Web site.