Wisconsin law requires classes for future boaters

[Steve Arend]

Law requires classes for future boaters

Doyle signs bill mandating safety course for all boaters born since 1989

By RYAN J. FOLEY

Associated Press

MADISON — Future boaters in Wisconsin must pass a state-sponsored safety course or face fines under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle on Wednesday.

Those who operate motorized boats or personal watercraft will have to pass the course at locations across the state or over the Internet to receive lifetime certification. In an attempt to phase in the requirement, the law applies to all boaters born in 1989 or later and who are at least 16.

Doyle said the certification, which costs $10, will improve public safety on Wisconsin's lakes.

Law requires classes for future boaters