MONROE, Mich. – Boating safety classes will be offered at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on certain Saturdays throughout the spring and summer.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough announced Thursday that the sheriff’s office will hold no-cost boater safety classes this year. Individuals who complete the boating safety course will earn a certificate allowing them to operate a watercraft in Michigan.
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Classes are free and will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:
- Saturday, May 15
- Saturday, May 22
- Saturday, June 12
- Saturday, July 24
- Saturday, August 14
Anyone interested in participating must register for a class by calling David Grow at 734-625-4862.
Each class will be limited to 23 people and will be held at the Monroe Township Fire Department, officials said. Participants should bring a lunch and a number 2 pencil with them. Face masks will be required to be worn inside the fire station.
Those interested in the boating classes must be at least 10 years old to obtain a certificate to operate a watercraft with supervision, and at least 14 years old to obtain a certificate to operate a jet ski.
The state of Michigan does enforce age restrictions for the operating of boats and watercrafts.
According to the state, anyone over the age of 12 can legally operate a boat so long as they have obtained a boating safety certificate and have it on board with them. Anyone born before July 1, 1996 can legally operate a boat in Michigan without a certificate.
Children younger than 12 years old can legally operate a boat that is no more than 6 horsepower without restrictions, and can operate a boat up to 35 horsepower if they have a certificate and proper supervision.
Anyone under the age of 14 cannot legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC), such as a jet ski or wave runner, in Michigan. Individuals older than 14 years can legally operate a PWC if a certificate is obtained -- though there are additional restrictions for those aged 14 and 15.
Anyone born before Dec. 31, 1978 can legally operate a PWC without restrictions or a certificate.
Learn more about boat operator age restrictions in Michigan here.
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