LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With boating season fast approaching, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 88 of Lake County, is once again offering boating safety classes.

The next class is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

The cost is $25 per person. Reservations are required.

The class will assist boaters in complying with the California State Law SB 941, which requires vessel operators to pass an approved boating safety course and obtain a California Boater Card.

This requirement – which became effective Jan. 1, 2018 – is being phased in over a period of seven years. In 2018 the requirement for vessel operators was 20 years of age and younger.

As of Jan. 1, any person 25 years old or younger will be required to have in their possession this Boater Card.

Also, when supervising a younger person who is operating a vessel, the supervisor or young person must have a Boater Card in their possession. This includes operating all motorized vessels including personal water crafts on any waters in the jurisdiction of the state.

For location of class and additional information, please contact Flotilla Public Education Officer Betty Strach at 707-657-3029.