Colorado Boating Safety Course to be Offered

August 20, 2004

Operators of motorboats, including personal watercraft on Colorado public waters must be at least 16 years old. However, teens 14 and 15 years old can operate motorized boats in Colorado if they first complete a Boating Safety Course. Many insurance companies also offer discounts to adults who take the course.

Students who want to complete a Boating Safety Course must first review the Boating Safely in Colorado home study manual. After students study the manual, they must participate in a two-hour classroom review with their parent or guardian, as well as pass a written exam.

Colorado State Parks and the Southeast Colorado Water Safety Council will offer the classroom review and written exam portions of the Boating Safety Course on Saturday, August 21, 2004 from 2-4 p.m. The course will be held at the Visitor Center at John Martin Reservoir State Park.

Boat operator cards will be issued to students who attend the review session and pass the final exam with a score of a least 70%. A certification fee per student will be required at the time of testing. Students must also bring a 1" x 1" photo of themselves that will be laminated to their operator card. All boaters, ages 16 and older, are invited to attend the course - although their attendance is not required.

Pre-registration is required. To receive a copy of the Boating Safely in Colorado home study manual and register for the Boating Safety Course, please call 303-791-1954 or pick one up at the John Martin Reservoir Visitor Center.