According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the vast majority of boating accidents and fatalities on Wisconsin waters every year involve operators who have never taken a boating safety course. In 2009 none of the 16 people killed in boating accidents in Wisconsin had taken a course; in 2008, 19 of the 20 people killed had not taken a course.

In addition to live, in-person boating safety classes, the Department of Natural Resources will also be hosting 2 on-line courses. More information about upcoming boating safety classes can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

In the meantime, as a quick safety tip, if you’re going out on the water in a boat, the one thing you can do to assure you return home safely is to wear a life jacket. In 2008,  16 of 20 people killed in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Also, save your drinking until you’re off the water. Wisconsin law prohibits anyone from operating a motorboat or manipulating water skis or similar devices while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone who operates or attempts to operate a vessel
is deemed to have given consent to an alcohol and/or rug test. It is illegal for a person to operate a motorboat or use water skis, a surfboard, or other device if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. Anyone under 21 years of age is required to maintain absolute sobriety while operating a boat. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times.

For more information on Drunk Driving in Wisconsin