The Allegan Co
unty Sheriff’s Office Marine Division will conduct several boater safety courses this spring and summer. Persons who wish to operate a boat in the State of Michigan who are born on or after July 1, 1996, must obtain and possess a valid boater safety certificate.
For those who wish to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), a boater safety certificate is required and must be in possession during operation. The operator must be at least 16 years of age and, born after Dec. 31, 1978.
Those 14 and 15 years of age may legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC) in the State of Michigan only if they meet certain requirements which include:
· Obtaining and possessing a valid Boater Safety certificate and,
· Is accompanied on board the PWC by a parent, legal guardian or a person at least 21 years of age designated by a parent or legal guardian – or –
· Is operating the PWC at a distance not greater than 100 feet from a parent, legal guardian or designee over 21.
Upon the successful completion of the Boater Safety Course, attendees will receive their Boater Safety Certificate. Courses are open to anyone 12 years of age or older. All course materials are provided and attendees need only to attend and complete one of these courses to receive their Certificate.
Upcoming classes include:
• Tuesday, May 3, and Wednesday May 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wayland Middle School, Wildcat Drive in Wayland. Call (269) 792-9153 to register. Registration is required. Participants must attend both classes to complete the course. Bring a #2 pencil. There is a fee of $10 payable to Wayland Schools. Additional information can be found online at www.allegancounty.org/sheriff
• Saturday, June 4th from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Green Lake Calvary Church – 608 145th Ave in Caledonia (Leighton Twp). Students should bring a #2 pencil and a sack lunch. No fees or costs. Students may register online at www.allegancounty.org/sheriff
• Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sandy Pines Resort – 2745 136th Ave. – Hopkins. Registration is required. Call (616) 896-8318 to register. Students should bring a #2 pencil and a sack lunch. No fees or costs.