Monday, May 17, 2010

Sheriff's Office offers free boating safety course

Whether your interest is in fishing, sailing, canoeing or waterskiing, boating safety education is essential. The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office will be offering the Michigan Department of Natural Resources ‘Boat Michigan’ course. The first one-day course was held on May 1 and another will be held on June 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 4135 Washtenaw (LRC Building). This course is free with all materials provided. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive their Michigan Boating Safety Certificate. You must pre-register and can sign up by calling (734) 973-4713. Class size is limited, so reserve your seat early.

‘Boat Michigan’ is a fun and comprehensive boating safety course for those age 12 and older that covers topics such as: Know Your Boat, Before You Get Underway, Navigating the Waterways, Operating Your Boat/PWC Safely, Legal Requirements, Boating Emergencies, and Enjoying Water Sports with Your Boat.

Many insurance companies will offer discounts on boat insurance for taking and passing this course. In addition, successful completion of the course, which has been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, satisfies the prerequisite to obtain a boating safety certificate from the Michigan DNR.

Michigan legislators passed Law that went into effect in June 2000 regarding the operation of personal watercraft (JetSki’s, WaveRunners, Ect.). This law requires that anyone born after December 31, 1978 who operates a personal watercraft on Michigan waterways must possess, on the vessel, a boating safety certificate.

For more information about this course, additional dates available or other services provided by the Washtenaw County Sheriff Marine Division, call (734) 973-4713 or visit us online at www.ewashtenaw.org.

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