The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds boaters under the age of 16 that there is a minimum age requirement to operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on public lakes and waterways. Young boaters can satisfy the requirements of this law either by taking a boating safety course or by operating a boat under the supervision of an adult or accompanied by an adult.

“Minimum age requirements are a necessity for the safety of the operator of the vessel as well as everyone else on the water,” says Lt. Col. Homer Bryson, Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement. “Just like the privilege of driving a car, young people should take the operation of a personal watercraft or other vessel very seriously and realize that they can avoid a serious incident by educating themselves about boating safety.”

In Georgia, there are three ways that young boat operators can take a boating safety course to satisfy the requirements of the minimum age law. The classroom course is a free, six-hour class, taught by WRD conservation rangers and volunteers, that covers the basics of boating. Boat operators can go to www.goboatgeorgia.com to take a classroom or Internet boating safety course. Another option for boat operators is the home study course. Boaters can receive a “Boat Georgia” manual and a boating safety video by ordering it on the Internet at boat-ed.com or by calling 1-800-460-9698 ($29.95).

Minimum boat operator age requirements are based on the age of the boat operator and the size of the vessel. Here are a few examples:

· A youth under age 12 is not legally allowed to operate a PWC.

· A 12-13 year old is only allowed to operate a PWC, or a Class A vessel (less than 16 feet in length) with a motor of 30 hp or less, when accompanied by OR under the direct supervision (within 400 yards and in the line of sight) of a sober adult that is at least 18-years old OR if that youth has completed a DNR approved boating safety course.

· A 14-15 year old may legally operate a PWC, or any vessel (any size), as long as they are accompanied by OR under the direct supervision (within 400 yards and in the line of sight) of a sober adult that is at least 18-years old OR has completed a DNR approved boating safety course.

For a complete listing of what ages can legally operate what type of vessel, visit the WRD website at www.goboatgeorgia.com , select “Boating”, “Boating Regulations” and then “Before Going Out” or contact a WRD Law Enforcement Office.

Calhoun (770) 769-9680

Albany (229) 430-4252

Gainesville(770) 535-5499

Metter (912) 685-2145

Thomson (706) 595-4211

Brunswick(912) 264-7237

Macon (478) 751-6415

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