4/10/2007

Boater Education Course Available to Seventh Graders

SPIRIT LAKE - The Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council is offering seventh graders a hands-on boating safety experience in June, and has a limited number of seats available. The program is scheduled from June 3 to 15, from 8 a.m. to noon, except on sailing day, it will conclude at 2 p.m. The program is open to seventh graders from Iowa.

The majority of the training will take place at Camp Foster with sailing at the Okoboji Yacht Club. Graduation will be June 21 at Gull Point State Park.

After completing the classroom, home study, or Internet Iowa Boater Education program, the seventh graders can apply for the Spirit of America program to learn about canoes, kayaks, outboard boats, sailboats, personal water craft and powerboats. Spirit of America participants will also gain experience with the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire Rescue Boat and the DNR Lake Patrol boats.

To participate in the free Spirit of America program, contact Jill Hultquist at Camp Foster, 712-336-3272 or DNR conservation officer Gary Owen at 712-260-1018.

For more information, including an application for the Spirit of America program, go to the Water Safety Council website, www.watersafetycouncil.org.