It’s never too early to think about boating safety, instruction deals now available

VERMONT- It may not feel like boating season yet, but the Vermont State Police, along with boating safety advocates nationwide, are urging boaters to #KeepYourEdge by enrolling in a boating education course this spring.  The Vermont State Police are participating in the national “Spring Aboard-Take A Boating Education Course” campaign. The campaign encourages boaters to get educated prior to the boating season so they can make the most out of their time on the water.
A boating safety course provides critical boating knowledge that anyone who plans to get out on the water should have, and better prepares them for the risks they might face while boating.  US 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 operator had never received boating education instruction.
The Vermont State Police are partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to inform boaters about the benefits and necessity of taking a boating education course.  
In Vermont, all persons born after Janurary 1, 1974, must complete an approved boating safety education course successfully to operate any motorized vessel legally (this includes personal watercraft).
Discounts and other incentives are being offered nationwide to boaters who enroll in or complete a boating safety course during the week of March 17 to 23. 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. With a wide variety of courses available, from classroom courses to online offerings, there’s a course for every boater and every schedule.
Learn more by visiting www.springboard.org or www.vsp.vermont.gov/auxiliary/marine.