Think You're Old Enough to Operate a PWC?

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is phasing in new requirements for PWC operators in Virginia. If you are younger than 36 years of age (yep, that's not a typo!), you must have successfully completed an Accredited Safe Boating course before July 1, 2010, in order to operate a jet ski on Lake Anna or other Virginia waterways. You may be subject to a fine if you are stopped and have not completed the course. No one under 14 years of age may operate a PWC.
The Louisa County Parks and Recreation Department offers a free course one Saturday a month through October. Click hereSafe Boating Classes.pdf to see a flyer with the dates and location of the course in Louisa or go to www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating for other course locations and more detailed information. The course may also be taken online. Beginning in 2011, the regulations will also cover power boat operators!