Press Release February 28, 2005
Contact: Norm Minch
(800) 852-0942.434
Boater Education Classes Now Being Offered
Frankfort, KY, (February 28, 2005) - Kentuckians required to have a safe boating certificate before getting on the water this summer can begin taking a boater education course this month across the commonwealth, or via the internet.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) reminds boaters that those ages 12 - 17 must obtain a safe boating certificate (card) before operating any watercraft over 10 horsepower by themselves.
From March through September, in each of the state's nine KDFWR law enforcement districts, a six-hour free boating certification course is offered twice a month. Pre-registration is not necessary.
The Kentucky Boater Education course provides instruction on the safe operation of various watercraft and all boating laws. At the conclusion a comprehensive, written test is given. Those that pass the test are issued a safe boating certificate as their proof of complying with the law. The course completion card must be carried by 12 through 17 year-old boaters while operating watercraft alone on public waterways.
To increase course availability and opportunity to become certified, Kentucky boaters can also gain their safe boating certificate (card) over the web, in lieu of attending an instructor-led course. Boaters can go on-line, log on to http://www.boat-ed.com/ky to get the required training and take the safe boater test.
The on-line course matches the home study materials and the "live" course taught by KDFWR Wildlife and Boating officers. The on-line course will cost the student $15 to take the Safe Boating Certification exam. Students may study the material and take the practice tests as much as they like at no cost. Study manuals are available from the KDFWR for either the on-line or instructor-led course.
Kentuckians may check Boater Education class availability on the KDFWR website at http://fw2.ky.gov/eventcalendar/calendar.asp. Select the Boating tab from the homepage and then pull up the class schedule or certification requirement page. Those without internet access may call the KDFWR information center at 1-800-858-1549 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for course times and locations in their region, or to request study materials.
"We take boating education and safety seriously," said KDFWR Lt. Mike Fields. "We believe education is a primary reason why our boating incidents and fatalities have greatly declined in recent years."
While mandatory boater education applies to operators 12-17 years old, every boater can benefit from taking the course and learning the laws of the water, equipment requirements and operational "rules of the road".
The Memorial Holiday Weekend in May is considered the start of the summer boating season in Kentucky. However, those who wait until that time arrives may not be able to find a course offered that meets busy day-to-day schedules. Don't wait. If you have a teenager who is required to be certified, check the KDFWR website and make plans to get into a class today.
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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. KDFWR, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, has an economic impact to the state of $4.8 billion annually. For more information
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