Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and as is Michigan’s boating season.
Every year the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division offers boating safety classes to the public at no cost to instruct citizens on boating safety as well as boating laws in the State of Michigan.
To legally operate motorized watercraft in the state, the state requires
those born after July 1, 1996 to attend and successfully complete a boating safety course and possess a valid boating safety certificate while on the water.
Those wishing to legally operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) must be at least 16 and born after Dec. 31, 1978, and must possess a valid boating safety certificate while on the water. Other restrictions may apply.
Finding and registering for a Boater Safety Classes can be done online at the sheriff’s office website at:
http://cms.allegancounty.org/
On the webpage, select the boater safety class schedule, choose the class you want to attend and enter your information. Children less than 12 years of age may take the class however, a parent or guardian is requested to attend with them.
Below is a list of courses offered this spring and summer in Allegan County:
April 20 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. @ Plainwell High School
April 27 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Allegan High School
May 7 and 8 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. @ Wayland Schools transportation building
June 1 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Green Lake Calvary Church
June 8 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Sandy Pines Resort
June 19 and 20 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. @ Saugatuck Yacht Club
July 17 and 18 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. @ Saugatuck Yacht Club
For more information about courses or to register, contact the sheriff’s office. Registration can be done online at the sheriff’s office Webpage.
