Being safe on the water is more important than ever as several accidents have claimed the lives of ArkLaTexans in recent years.
Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, in conjunction with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, will conduct a free boater education course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 14 at the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, 15639 Hwy. 1 South in Caddo Parish.
Boater education is required for all persons born after January 1, 1984, if they wish to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower in Louisiana.The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal and equipment requirements, navigation rules, navigation charts, trailering, sailboats, and related subjects that include canoeing, personal watercraft and more. Participants who complete the course will receive a Boater Education Card and must carry the card with them when operating a motorboat.
The minimum age for Boater Education Certification in Louisiana is 10 years old. Youth younger than 10 years of age may take the course, but they are not eligible to be certified and must retake the course to obtain certification when they reach 10 years of age or older.
Seating is limited to 20 people. To register contact the Caddo Sheriff’s Programs Unit at 681-0875.
