2024 Wisconsin DNR Boater Safety Classes
at Ascension Mercy Medical Center and Ascension Saint Elizabeth Hospital
Boating Safety Courses will be held this spring at Ascension Mercy Medical Center and Ascension Saint Elizabeth Hospitals. This is a classroom course that covers basic boating safety concepts that you need to know if you intend to participate in boating.
Wisconsin Mandatory Education Requirement - If you were born after Jan 1, 1989, you are required to complete a boating safety course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) in Wisconsin. This means that many adults also need this course.
If you will be 35 this year (or are younger) you need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat or a PWC in Wisconsin.
Anyone is eligible to take a boating safety class and receive a safety education completion certificate, although the certificate is not valid for a child until he or she is 12 years old.
The course is recommended for children 11 years of age and older, but is open to all ages. Parents and adults are encouraged to enroll and participate in this course.
Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.
In addition to it being the law, taking a boating safety class can save your life: 4 of 5 people who die in boating accidents on Wisconsin's waters every year haven't had such formal training.
Benefits of Taking the Wisconsin Safe Boating Course
• Gain the safe boating techniques and knowledge that can keep you safe on the water.
• Learn about safe boating, boating regulation and boating laws.
• Pass the boater exam and receive your Wisconsin boating safety course certificate.
• Possibly become eligible for a discount on your boater insurance.
• Adults may need this class if renting as boat or if traveling outside of WI or to Canada.
• Adults, parents, and guardians are encouraged to take the class due to many changing state and federal boating laws.
The class costs $10 (cash - No checks), which will be collected at the time of registration.
