LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With boating season in full swing, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is reminding boaters who operate any type of motorized vessel on California waters are required to possess a valid California Boaters Card.

Please be aware that this new law includes the popular personal watercraft, sometimes called jet skis.

This new law which became effective Jan. 1, 2018, is being phased in yearly by the age of the operator.

This year, anyone 21 years and younger must possess this boaters card.

In 2019, anyone 26 years and younger well be required to have this card. Another age group will be added each year. As in any new laws, there are exceptions.

The USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 88 of Lake County, is offering an approved boating course on Friday, June 22. The cost is $25 per person.

For additional information and reservations for the class, please call Flotilla Public Education Officer Betty Strach at 707-657-3029.