Boating safety courses help reduce accidents
By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News
Like peanut butter and jelly, summer and water go together. Before the
rush to get wet hits full swing, however, it's a good time to pause and
think about safety, whether swimming, boating or whitewater rafting.
According to Keith Kahler, boating safety coordinator for Colorado Division
of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, proper use of personal flotation devices,
or life vests, is especially critical in Colorado. State residents get
used to warm days and lots of sun, but they forget that water in lakes
and rivers can be very cold, he explained. If a person falls into the water
without a PFD, there is low chance of survival, he said.
The state has specific regulations about what types of PFDs need to be
carried in recreational boats and who must wear them. Children 12 years
of age and younger are required to wear a PFD whenever their vessel is
on the water, except when they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
Inflatable PFDs are allowed for those 16 and older, unless they are water
skiing, operating a personal watercraft or whitewater rafting. The inflatable
PFDs, Kahler noted, take away the argument that the safety gear is too
bulky or restrictive.
A longtime keeper of boating accident statistics, Kahler said most are
caused by boaters operating too close to each other. This is particularly
true with jet skis. "The things you see in television ads (for jet skis)
are illegal in Colorado," he said.
Kahler also likes to push the boating safety course, which will be offered
in Fort Collins for the first time in several years. The course is mandatory
for 14 and 15 year olds who want to operate watercraft, but it's also a
good idea for all adults.
"A lot of insurance companies give discounts if someone has been through
the course," he said.
The safety course is eight hours of instruction, six of them at home with
a study manual. The other two hours take place in a classroom setting and
conclude with a test. Kahler said a parent or guardian - the person who
will be helping the youngster develop boating skills - should come to class
with the teen student.
"We need those mentors to take them into the field and teach the points
mentioned in class," he said.
The Boating Safely in Colorado manual is available by calling 303-791-1954
or by sending an e-mail to boating.safety@state.co.us. Include name, address,
contact phone number, and the number of manuals needed. Registration for
review sessions must be made by calling 303-791-1954.
Boat operator cards will be issued to students who attend the review session
and pass the final exam with a score of 70 percent or more. The certification
fee is $15 per student, and the student must bring a 1-inch-by-1-inch photo,
which will be laminated onto the operator card.
Classes are offered in Larimer County on the following dates:
- In Loveland, by Colorado State Parks at the Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams:
May 10, May 16, June 14, June 28, July 12, July 21, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13.
All classes are 6 to 8 p.m.
- In Fort Collins, by Larimer County Parks and Open Lands at the Larimer
County Courthouse Offices Building, 200 W. Oak: May 12, Carter Lake Room;
June 9, Boyd Lake Room; and July 14, Boyd Lake Room. All classes are 6:30
to 8:30 p.m.
Further information on the Boating Safety Program can be found at www.parks.state.co.us
under Programs. Select "Boating Safety Program."
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