Boater safety classes to be held before summer

The local United States Coast guard Auxiliary Eastside Flotilla 22 will present three one-day classes on boating rules and safety.

Washington state law now requires all persons between the ages of 12 and 60 years of age to have a state Boater Education Card in their possession when operating a boat powered by a 15 hp motor or greater. Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Not carrying a card can result in a fine

The one day class will be held between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., on Saturdays;  April 25, May 30 and June 27. The classes will be held at  Bellevue Fire Station #9 in Newcastle at 12412 Newcastle Way. The cost is $30 for the class materials and the test. Registrants are asked to register and pay two weeks in advance in order to receive the book before the class begins.

Those who attend the one day class and pass the examination at the end of the day, will receive a certificate which may be used to apply for a Washington state Boater Education card. The ABS class is taught by experienced boaters who are Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors.

For information and to register, email Terrence Hooper at HoopCGAUX@gmail.com or call 425-885-0259. For more on state law regarding boating and vessel registration, go tohttp://boat.wa.gov/regulations.asp.