NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Deputy Todd Baker, Clark County Sheriff's Office, 360-397-2106
Vancouver, WA - March 16th, 2011, With the opening of boating season a couple months away, the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Parks Boating Programs remind boaters about the importance of taking a boating safety course and the requirement to obtain a Boater Education Card.
Washington boaters are required by law to take and pass a boater education course and have their education card with them when operating a boat of 15 horsepower or more in Washington waterways. In 2011, boater's ages 12 to 35 years are required to carry the card when operating a boat. Soon the law will also apply to older boaters. The card requirement is phased in through 2014. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt. Washington and Oregon have a reciprocity agreement in place which allows either card to be valid in their state.
Spring is a good time for boaters to prepare for a safe and fun boating season. Boaters that have safety training are less likely to end up in accidents on the water. To meet the new education requirements, boaters can take approved courses in a classroom, online or by taking a home study course. Once the course is passed, boaters pay $10 for the card, which is good for life. The majority of in-person classes are offered between the fall and spring months, with fewer classes available during summer months. Course topics include basic boat handling, safety equipment, navigational rules and boating emergencies.
Thousands of people enjoy boating on Washington's waters each year. Unfortunately, Washington State is among the leaders in boating fatalities. From 2001 through 2010, 259 people died in boating accidents in Washington State. Hundreds more were seriously injured. "Boater safety education is part of the strategy for reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on our waterways" said Deputy Todd Baker of the Clark County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Unit.
"By taking a boating safety course, you help ensure our waterways are the safest they can be. Not to mention, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance by 10 – 15 percent. Be sure to ask your insurance agent" said Baker.
For more information about Washington’s Mandatory Boater Education requirement or when the next course may be offered within Vancouver, please call the Sheriff’s Marine Unit, (360) 397-2106 or go online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating.
