justnorth posted on June 25, 2007 12:24 :: 1494 Views
Boating safety course now offered online
With more than 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 659 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, waterways are a focal point for outdoor recreation in Wisconsin. But with an estimated 1 million boaters gearing up to use state waters this year, boating safety specialists say that safety education and courtesy are key to keeping boaters and other people safe while enjoying their time on the water.
One way boaters can make sure they are up to speed on boating and navigational regulations is by earning a boating safety certificate. The certificate -- available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron -- is required for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1989 and who is at least 16 years of age. There are now specific age requirements for all recreational vehicles safety education certificates in Wisconsin, (ATVs, boats and snowmobiles).
“We know that our boating safety graduates have fewer accidents and problems on the waterways simply because they know more about boat and motor maintenance, navigational rules, knots, first aid and other topics taught in the course,” said Roy Zellmer, boating safety administrator for the state Department of Natural Resources.
“Studies show that people who don’t have boat safety training are five times more likely to be involved in a fatal boating accident than someone who has taken a safety course,” Zellmer said. “Most insurance companies also offer discounts to graduates of a boat safety course because they are safer, more knowledgeable boaters.”
Zellmer notes that it is now easier than ever to find a boating safety course with a new Internet option rather than taking the traditional classroom course. The DNR has teamed up with BoatSafe.com to offer an Internet safety course that gives students the opportunity to earn a boating safety certificate online.
“This online course really helps get the boating safety message to those youth and adults who find it difficult, if not impossible, to attend one of our regular classes,” Zellmer said. “Before this online course, our options for those people who weren’t able to find a course to fit their schedules were very limited. Now, with a computer and access to the Internet, they can take an approved course when it is convenient for them.”
But the online course isn’t for everyone. The material is written at a 14-year-old reading level and is not recommended for children younger than that. Younger children are encouraged to find a traditional boating safety class.
After covering the basics, students take an online test. A $10 fee covers the cost of taking the exam and the cost of the safety certificate, the same price as through traditional classroom instruction.
To operate a boat in Wisconsin, children ages 10 or 11 must be accompanied by a parent or an adult at all times. Those who are 12 to 16 can operate a boat with a parent or adult on board or by themselves if they have passed an approved boating safety course and have their certificate with them.
For personal watercraft use, children ages 12 to 16 are required by law to have a boating safety certificate. Adult supervision on a PWC does not take the place of a safety certificate.
To take the online boating safety course or to find a classroom course near you, go to the DNR’s boating safety Web page.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Roy S. Zellmer - (608) 264-8970
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