Boating safety to be taught

To help ensure protection at Thurmond Lake, the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resource Division will hold a free boating safety class Monday.

The class, which is required for children 12 to 16 years old in order to operate a jet ski or boat, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mistletoe State Park at the group shelter.

"It's basically watching tapes, answering questions, talking about navigation, the lake and the light equipment on the boat," said Robert Timmerman, a ranger first class with the DNR law enforcement division.

Timmerman said that after participants finish the class, they will receive a certificate.

Currently, the law requires children ages 12 to 16 to have someone at least 18 years old present with them when riding a jet ski or boat or be within 400 yards in sight of a sober adult on the lake's bank.

Since the department has incorporated the program, which is approved by the Coast Guard, Timmerman said boating accidents have decreased.

"It's come down because of an officer's presence," he said. "Then, too, a lot of people don't drink on the lake as much. A lot of it is education."

To register or for more information, call Timmerman at 737-1480 or 595-4211.