Registration Now Open for Georgia DNR Boating Safety Classes

Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources and rangers with the Corps of Engineers Hartwell office are once again gearing up for a busy summer season on Lake Hartwell.

As the weather warms, people are starting to get out on the water with boats and personal water craft, including first-time boaters and young people.

This month, the DNR’s law enforcement division will be offering a free boating safety class.

The class will be held Saturday, May 12 at the Corps’ Lake Hartwell office in Hartwell.

DNR Law Enforcement Officer Craig Fulghum says the class is mandatory for all first-time boaters ages 12 and up.

“The class is free to the public,” Fulghum said. “You need to be at least 12 years old to attend. Parents may drop their children off at 9a and pick them up at 2p after they take the test. If they pass the test, they will be certified to operate a boat in the State of Georgia.”

Once a new boater passes the course, their Boater Education card must be on board the boat they’re operating along with a valid driver’s license or Georgia legal photo ID that contains a photo, birthdate, and description of the person.

There are a several online boating safety courses offered by private companies, but the DNR course is the only free in-person course.

Fulghum says this course is also important for any new boat owners who plan to launch their craft this summer, but who have never had a boating safety course.

“It’s a great course for anyone who’s going to be out boating on Georgia waters,” he said. “This particular course is designed to take somebody who’s never been on a boat and give them the laws, rules, terminology, and knowledge that pertain to boats. When they leave that course, they’ll be up to date on the current laws.”

Another issue, according to Fulghum is the fact that Lake Hartwell is in two states, which presents challenges for the novice boater.

“The Lake Hartwell class will go into a lot of specifics that pertain to Lake Hartwell as it pertains to being on one body of water that contains two states governing it,” Fulghum explained. “Not all the laws, rules and regulations are the same. So, you need to know where you are and what the laws are where you’re boating. So, it’s pretty important if you’re going to be on Lake Hartwell.”

Fulghum advises those interested in attending the free boating safety class May 12th go online now to register because space is limited.

Just go to www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com and click on Register for a Hunter/Boater Class, then follow the prompts.

For more information, you can also call toll-free: 1-800-366-3621.