As summer heats up, so does the desire to be out on the open waters.

To make sure that boaters are prepared, a boating safety course will be held on June 10-11, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., at the LBW Community College Opp McArthur Campus.

This free classroom course is approved by the Alabama Marine Police Division, said LBWCC’s Heather Williamson.

“Taking the boater certification course will enable participants to comply with the Alabama Boater Certification Law,” Williamson said. “Participants will also be eligible for a discount on their boat or personal water craft, or jet ski, insurance with most providers.”

Williamson said all persons 12 years of age or older who operate a motorized vessel on Alabama waters must be certified, so the course participants must be at least 12 to participate. Any boat operator who was born prior to April 28, 1954, is exempt from examination.

“Participants must attend both nights of the course,” she said.

The boating safety course will cover general information concerning safety equipment, survival, navigation, right-of-way situations, legal requirements and all phases of boating except charting. “Boat Alabama” training books will be provided for each participant. All six chapters of the book will be covered. Participants will be given the opportunity to take the Alabama Boater Certification Exam at no charge. Participants who pass the boating certification test will receive a Boating Course Certificate of Completion from the Alabama Marine Police Division.

For more information or to register, call (334) 493-5344 or email Williamson at hwilliamson@lbwcc.edu.