Boating Safety
GCOLA offers free YOUTH BOAT SAFETY CLASSES
NOTE: The 2020 youth boat safety classes have been cancelled.
You can take an on-line course at: https://boat-ed.com/minnesota/
The Gull Chain of Lakes Association (GCOLA) in conjunction with Cass and Crow Wing County Water Patrols and DNR Enforcement is again sponsoring two boat and water safety classes for all youths ages 12 to 17. According to Minnesota state law, all teens 13-17 years old are required to have a permit to operate a personal watercraft and all youth ages 12-17 must have a permit to operate a boat with a motor of over 25 HP. This class not only goes through all rules and regulations, but also provides all participants hands on boat operation training. This class qualifies participants for the required permits. GCOLA will be giving participants a life jacket. The sheriff’s office strongly recommends that all young people in this age bracket take the class. There is no cost for the classes.
Minnesota DNR Boat & Water Safety Education
Safety on the water is the responsibility of everyone involved. The Minnesota DNR offers education opportunities listed on the following website page:
Boat and water safety education - MnDNR
Water Sports Industry Assoc (WSIA) proper boat usage guidelines
The Water Sports Industry Association is dedicated to the proper use of all water sports boating, especially wake board boats. They have allowed us to link to their website and feature videos and other water sports safety information.
With boating safety being more important than ever, driver’s etiquette is of equal importance, so we can continue to enjoy our activities long into the future. Learn how to drive respectfully, so we can all enjoy our waterways without having issues. WSIA cannot stress the importance of this enough. Thank you for helping us spread the word.
WSIA Captain’s Etiquette Video: http://www.wsia.net/wsia-captains-etiquette-video/
