PRATT – If blue skies and sunshine have your family thinking about getting on the water, it’s time to think about boating education, too. It won’t be long before you’re enjoying a day of boating, and your teen asks to take the wheel. To ensure everyone is happy and safe, sign your teenagers up for a boating education class now, so they can get straight to the good times with you this summer.

To encourage boaters to sign up for a boating education course, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to promote the “Spring Aboard – Take a Boating Education Course” campaign March 18-24, 2018.

During the campaign, many boating course providers will be offering incentives and discounts for students who enroll in, or complete, a course March 18-24. Two of Kansas’ online course providers, Boat-Ed and BoaterExam, will be offering boating education courses at a 50-percent discount.

“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water, and they’re likely to provide a more enjoyable experience for their passengers, as well.” said Chelsea Hofmeier, KDWPT boating education coordinator. “Don’t head out on the water without knowing what you’re doing; take a course.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of the accidents where the level of operator education was known, 77 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the operator had never received boating education instruction. In Kansas, a boater education course is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, and under the age of 21, wanting to operate a motorboat or sailboat without adult supervision.

Traditional classroom courses are also offered through KDWPT and the schedule can be accessed at ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Boating-Education.

For more information on boating safety, contact Hofmeier at chelsea.hofmeier@ks.gov or (620) 672-0770.

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