Highway Patrol to offer boater safety certification courses in Springfield

(From Highway Patrol Troop D)

Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, announces boater safety certification courses will be offered at the Troop D Headquarters located at 3131 East Kearney, Springfield, Missouri in 2018. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack and lunch to the training. The maximum class size is 30 people.

January 13 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
January 17-18 -- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night
January 20 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
January 27 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 3 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 10 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 17 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 21-22 -- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night
February 24 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
March 31 -- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There is no fee for these courses; however, students are required to preregister online, as seating will be limited and notification may be sent in the event the course is canceled. For more information, to register for the courses, or to obtain a complete listing of where other courses are being offered, you may visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website, www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Select "Boat Safety Education & Certification" found under the "Training" heading.

Missouri law requires any person born after January 1, 1984, to carry a boating safety certification card along with a picture ID anytime they operate a vessel, which includes personal watercraft, on Missouri lakes. Any student who successfully passes this course will be eligible to order the boating safety certification card, which costs $15.

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!