“Safe Boater Kit” among rewards for completing instructional course

With the growing number of recreational boaters on Kansas waters, the advantages of boater education have never been more apparent. As our lakes and rivers become busier and the types of boats more varied, it is increasingly important for boaters to learn safe boating techniques and laws.

Completing a Kansas Safe Boater course can help reduce the potential for boat accidents and promote safe, responsible, and ethical use of Kansas water resources. The classroom boating safety course consists of eight hours of classroom instruction in the principles of boating safety. Current class listings are available on the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website. Online classes are also available at www.boaterexam.com or www.boat-ed.com .

Course participants will learn about boat classifications, hull designs, motors, legal requirements for registration and equipment, navigation rules, basic safety regulations, and waterway marking systems. Classes also cover getting underway, preparation, loading, boarding, cruising, docking, anchoring, knots, trailering, courtesy, and maintenance.

Passing a boating education course may result in a discount for boat or personal watercraft insurance. Participants who successfully complete the course may call the KDWP boater education coordinator at 620-672-0770 to receive a free Safe Boater Kit, which includes a cooler bag, key float, whistle, pocket first aid kit, carabiner light, and other informational items.

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