Free boating classes are being hosted again at the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center southeast of Utica. Park Ranger Julie McDonald says the classes are for new boaters, families, or season boaters who want to learn about new laws passed. She says it’s a great opportunity to learn because you can interact with people who work on the water.
She says kids as young as 11 can take the class but they won’t get their certificate right away.
The first class is Saturday, April 15th from 9am to 5pm at the Illinois Waterway Visitor’s Center southeast of Utica. Other classes will be held on Saturdays on May 20th, June 17th, July 15th, and August 19th. You can call the visitors center to register for a class at 815-667-4054. McDonald says anyone under the age of sixteen needs to be accompanied by an adult. You’ll also want to bring your own food and drinks to the class because they don’t have any vending machines at the visitor’s center.