Before heading onto Lake James, make sure you’re on the right side of the law especially with new changes to boater safety education.
A new law went into effect May 1 requiring boat operators who are younger than 26 to have a certification card or proof of compliance and photo identification with them if they are driving a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater, including personal watercraft.
And so far this summer, it seems like everyone is aware of the law, and there’s been a major increase in attendance at boating safety courses, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Master Officer Phillip Tallent said. Class sizes have nearly doubled and many boaters are opting to take the online course.
Besides the high number of young boaters going to the classes, boaters who are older than 26 also are attending and learning about boating safety, Tallent said.
The NCWRC manual on boating responsibility includes information about learning about your boat, things to do before you get underway, operating a boat safely, the legal requirements of boating, what to do in boating emergencies and enjoying water sports.
Tallent said traffic on Lake James has been steady this summer, with a lot of boaters opting to sit on the lake rather than move around as in past summers.
Boating safety education courses through NCWRC are free, Tallent said. And the next one in the county is Saturday at the Collett Street Recreation Center. Space is limited; to reserve a spot, contact Tallent at 437-3420.
For more information on boating safety or for upcoming boating safety education courses visit www.ncwildlife.org.
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