LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Do you have your California Boater’s Card?

With boating season fast approaching, another boating safety class is being offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 88 of Lake County, to assist boaters in complying with the California State Law SB941 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.

The Flotilla’s next class is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the cost being $25 per person.

As of Jan. 1, 2019, any person 25 years old or younger will be required to have in their possession this boater card.

The new boating law also states that 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.

Reservations for the May 18 class are required.

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

Dorothy De Lope is public affairs officer for Flotilla 88.