LDWF to offer seven boater education classes next week

Courses mandatory for Louisiana boaters born after Jan. 1, 1984 who operate over a 10 hp motor

Before the spring boating season really ramps up, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries  is providing seven boating education courses across the state next week.

In conjunction with the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, the LDWF will provide the free courses from March 19-25.

“We are excited to be a part of the Spring Aboard initiative and are always looking for ways to get the public involved in one of our free safe boating courses,” said Lt. Col. Sammy Martin, Louisiana’s state boating law administrator.  “We feel that safe boating course offers something for any skill level on the water and encourage everyone that boats to take one.”

Boating education courses are mandatory for anyone in Louisiana born after Jan. 1, 1984 who operates a motorboat with more than a 10 hp motor.  To register for an LDWF boating education course, click here.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of the accidents where the level of operator education was known, 80 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the operator had never received boating education instruction.

LDWF implemented Louisiana’s safe boating education program in 2003, and have certified over 99,000 boaters.