Those planning on operating a motorboat or personal watercraft this summer need to be prepared.
All boat and watercraft operators are required to have proper certification on board under Virginia state law, including a boating safety course completion card.
Next month, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Williamsburg Flotilla 67 is hosting a free, in-person Virginia boating safety education course.
Specifically, those operating a jet ski, Sea Doo, Wave Runner or motorboat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower are required to take the course.
The course will be at the James City County Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 18. There is a one-hour lunch break.
Advance registration is required, which can be done by visiting a registration webpage or emailing Dan McKinney at mckinney13@cox.net.
The course can also be taken online.
The certificate is valid for life, meaning boaters only need to take it once.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary also inspects motor boats and paddle craft for safety. Vessel inspection stickers are valid for one year, so boat owners need to get watercraft re-inspected annually.
