MADISON- There are more boaters on the local waterways than ever before, which means more chances for accidents. The Alabama Marine Police are frantically trying to keep up with the influx of boating activity and urge all water enthusiasts to make the waterways safe for everyone by obtaining the necessary knowledge to operate a water vessel.

The recently celebrated National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24) was arranged for boaters to enhance their skills of safe boating and boating risk management. Classes for those skills needed to assure the local waterways remain safe are available at the Outdoor Recreation on Redstone Arsenal June 22, July 20 and Aug. 17. Classes are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and are held by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The latest data surrounding accidents on waterways indicated the most common types of vessels in accidents were open motorboats (46-percent), personal watercraft (18-percent) and cabin motor crafts (16-percent). Drowning was found to be the leading cause of death (76-percent) with 85-percent of those were not wearing life jackets.

Statewide licensing of boat operators began in all Alabama counties in July, 1997 and minimum age for boat operators was set at age 14 in 2002.

A written examination is required for applicants, except those who were 40 or older in April 1994 or those to have successfully completed boating courses presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Once the course and examination are completed, your driver’s license will have a “V” added to indicate your license to operate a water vessel.

In addition, most insurance companies offer boating insurance discounts to boaters who successfully complete training. There are three main ways to take the exam- in a classroom with a member of the Alabama Marine Patrol, on line at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website or at the office of the local driver’s license department.

Safety information is available at www.alea.gov.

For additional information on the local classes the contacts are Bill Statlander at 256-361-5841 or Joe Kleri at 256-345-3022.