Set a course for summertime water safety
Originally published March 9, 2017
With the recent brush with spring-like weather, readers are probably considering warm weather activities and dreaming of the upcoming season.
Now they can act on those dreams, and learn some safety skills at the same time. Classes are soon beginning for a boating safety certification course offered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. These important classes provide life-saving instruction for novice to experienced boaters.
Bill Brady, who has been teaching this class for 30 years, is a master instructor for the DNR. He said his fellow instructors are boaters as well as United States Power Squadron members or Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel — all who have lots of experience.
As a member of the United States Power Squadron, Brady also is a vessel safety inspector, which provides courtesy checks to ensure watercraft are in compliance with regulations. Important details like correct size and number of life jackets, fire extinguisher operation, first aid, and how to properly use a radio to call for assistance — will be taught during the course and are part of the safety check that Brady performs.
Who should take this course? Brady said “anyone who will be out on the water should take this class. New boaters will find information necessary to be in compliance with their new sport; and experienced boaters can always use a refresher course to learn of any new laws or regulations.
“Too many new boaters think of their boat as floating keg, and may drink while driving,” he said. “Drinking while driving a boat is no different than drinking while driving your car. You will lose your license.”
If you will be towing your boat to neighboring states, you need to know the rules of any state in which you will be boating. This course will supply you with literature from neighboring states so that you are knowledgeable.
Depending on the company through which you insure your craft, you may be eligible for a 5-10 percent discount on insurance after taking this course and earning your certificate.
The Illinois Boating Education Course consists of eight hours of instruction, which will cover the basics of boating safety, navigation, use of equipment, registering your craft, and the emergency measures to use; along with Illinois boating laws.
There are two upcoming opportunities to take this course. Over the course of two consecutive weekend days, an eight-hour class is led by an instructor, and has a classroom structure. An examination at the completion of the class will test the knowledge and skills attained during class.
Locally, instructor-led classes are being offered through the Tinley Park and Mokena Park Districts. The Tinley Park District course begins at 9 a.m. March 18, and 10 a.m. March 19. Visit www.tinleyparkdistrict.org or call 708-342-4200 to register for this course.
The Mokena Park District class runs beginning at 9 a.m. April 22, and 10 a.m. April 23. Visit www.mokenapark.com to register for this course.
To check out the websites that provide the coursework for study head to www.Boat-Ed.com or www.BoaterExam.com.
For more information on boating safety and the requirements and regulations for boating in the State of Illinois, check out the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr.illinois.gov or call -800-832-2599.