The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants boaters to be acquainted with boating safety rules, so it’s offering three free classes in LaSalle County this year. Park Ranger Julie McDonald is one of the teachers at the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center southeast of Utica. She says even experienced boaters learn new things about the law and why boating rules are what they are.
Illinois law requires a boating safety course for anyone born during or after 1998 who wants to operate a boat with a 10-horsepower or greater motor. Boaters as young as age 11 can take the class.
McDonald says even experienced boaters learn things when they take the course.
The first class is Saturday, May 7. Others will be on June 18 and August 20. To make sure there’ll be room for everyone, it’s good to call the visitors center at 815-667-4054 to say you’ll be there.