JENNINGS RANDOLPH LAKE, W. Va. -- It may not feel like boating season yet, but boating safety advocates are urging boaters to “Keep Your Edge” by enrolling in a boating education course this spring. The Spring Aboard: Take A Boating Education Course campaign encourages boaters to get educated prior to the kick-off of the boating season to make the most of your time on the water.
Many education providers and partners offer discounts or other incentives for students who enroll in or complete a boating safety course during the week of March 17-23, 2019. Boaters are encouraged to take a boating education course if they have never taken one before, or to take a course as a refresher in order to prepare for the boating season ahead.
“Taking a boating education course is the first thing everyone should do before they go boating. These courses teach you about navigation rules, laws that must be followed in your state and provide safety checklists that will go a long way in helping you and your loved ones have a fun and enjoyable boating season,” says Mark Brown, President of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), lead organization for the campaign. “Whether you are a first time boater or have years of experience, there is always more to learn when taking to the water. Taking a boating education course is one of the best things you can do to prevent accidents on the water.”
U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of the accidents where the level of operator education was known, 81% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction.
There are courses available for every type of boater and multiple options from classroom to online courses are available to fit your schedule. Education course providers and offerings vary by state. Use this link www.nasbla.org/education/taking-a-boat-course to find out what courses are accepted in your state.
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