Boating not only begins with warmer weather, it begins with certification.
State law requires people born after Jan. 1, 1984, who operate a vessel on Missouri lakes to have a boating safety identification card. Vessels include both boats and personal watercraft.
The Water Patrol Division of the Missouri Highway Patrol issues the cards, which may be obtained for $15 by people who successfully complete a free boater safety certification course.
Although the early-April timing may seem premature, courses are coming up or filling up.
A course scheduled to be held in Jefferson City later in April already is full.
The next available boater certification courses in Central Missouri are:
• April 12 at the Versailles Middle School Cafeteria, 913 W. Newton Street, Versailles.
• May 10 at the Osage Beach Police Department, 1000 City Parkway, Osage Beach.
Classes are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and participants are asked to bring a snack or sack lunch to the training.
Participates must pre-register online at the State Highway Patrol's website, www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Click the Boat Safety Education and Certification link on the left side of the page. On the day of the class, the link will post if the course is being canceled due to an insufficient number of participants.
The water patrol also reminds boaters that state law requires a life jacket on board and accessible for each occupant. Children younger than 7 must wear a life jacket at all times unless they are in the cabin area of a house boat or cruiser. And jet ski and personal watercraft users must wear life jackets when operating the vessels.
Although this requirement may seem like common sense, 90 percent of boating fatality victims in Missouri last year were not wearing life jackets.
Boaters must not leave the dock without obtaining certification, knowing the law and practicing safety.