Safe boating courses available statewide

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is offering numerous safe boating course opportunities for young or inexperienced boaters to get ready for time on the water this spring and summer.

Beginning July 1, 2010, persons born after Jan. 1, 1984 will be required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. The law previously stated that anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 was required to complete a course.

"Studies show that boating education is an important factor in reducing boating crashes and fatalities. Even experienced boaters can benefit from taking a boating education course," said LDWF Lt. Rachel Zechenelly.

The LDWF-offered NASBLA approved boating courses are free of charge and are available across the state to assist boaters, fishermen and hunters in meeting boating education requirements. Anyone interested in attending a free course can view a schedule of courses on the LDWF Web site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses. An online NASBLA-approved course is also available for a small fee.

A person may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower without proof of course completion if accompanied by someone over 18 years of age who, if required, has completed the course.

LDWF also wants to remind boaters to follow the rules of the road, wear a personal flotation device and designate a sober vessel operator to keep Louisiana's waterways safe for all boaters.

For more information on regulations or boating safety, please visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.