Successful completion of a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin DNR is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 (and at least 12 years of age) who wishes to operate a personal watercraft (PWC, which includes jet-skis, wave-runners etc.) or wishes to operate a motorized boat without an adult onboard.
So if you will be 28 this year (or are younger) you need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat (without parental supervision) or a PWC.
Two Wisconsin DNR-sanctioned boating safety courses will be offered this season by the Lauderdale Lakes Water Patrol. We strongly recommend you take advantage of our local courses since they include information on our local boating ordinance (which is not included in other available courses).
The two-day class dates and locations are: May 20 and 21 or June 10 and 11, both at La Grange Town Hall with a maximum class size of 25. The La Grange Town Hall is at N7899 County Rd. H, Whitewater, WI (at intersection of H and Territorial Road.)
How to register
Participants must register online on the Wisconsin DNR website, dnr.wi.gov. Click on “Recreation”, then “Boat” in the drop down menu (under the Statewide heading). On the Boating in Wisconsin page, click the “Sign up” button. To search for and enroll in upcoming classes select the Course Type option “BOAT” and County “WALWORTH”. Then you can select 1 of 2 classes offered by Lauderdale Lakes Water Patrol.
If you have any questions the Instructor Officer Adam Freund’s phone number and e-mail address will be listed.
Each student must have a DNR Customer ID number to register online. You can obtain this ID number online or by calling DNR customer service at (888) 936-7463, 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also bring this ID number with you the day of class as part of the final registration process.
There is a $10 course registration fee that will be collected during registration on the first day of each two-day class.
Who can attend
The courses are open to adults and children, 10 years and older. A parent must accompany their child to course registration which will take place between 8:30 – 9 a.m. on the first day. The formal class will start at 9 a.m. The classes will run until 4 p.m. on the first day (Saturday) and until approximately 1 p.m. on the second day (Sunday).
Although complimentary water and soda will be provided, students need to bring a sack lunch. When attending the class, wear comfortable clothing and bring paper and pencils. There will be a written test at the end of the course.
