Fwp Helps Make Boating Safety Easier

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As boaters plan for a summer of fun it is a good time to plan to take Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ home-study course for motorboat and personal watercraft operators. Those 13 years of age or older who successfully complete the course will receive a motorboat operator’s certificate.

Boaters of all ages and interests need to follow these life-saving tips: always wear a life jacket; observe no-wake rules and boat at a reasonable speed; always be on the watch for other boaters and swimmers; don’t mix alcohol or drugs and boating; review boating regulations before you go out; and take an approved boating safety course.

Montana’s boating laws require that a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket be available for each person on board a boat. Children under 12 years of age must wear their life jacket when aboard a boat under 26 feet in length. The life jacket must be in good condition and fit the intended wearer. Life jackets also have to be readily accessible.

To obtain a motorboat home-study course packet contact your regional FWP office, or call FWP at: 406-444-2535. Boating classes are also offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and on line at www.boat-ed.com .