Michigan is truly a boating paradise. With four of the five Great Lakes touching our shores and more than 11,000 inland lakes, it's no surprise that Michigan is one of the top states for boat ownership and activity.
Although boating is a remarkably safe sport when you consider the number of people who do it and the number of watercraft out there, the accident data clearly shows that unsafe boating practices account for the majority of the injuries and deaths, most of which could have been avoided.
Safe, responsible, courteous boating is everyone's responsibility. Boating also is more fun when you know what you are doing.
Who Needs to Take a Boater Safety Course?
Boater education is available through your local sheriff's department, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, local boat dealers and others. Michigan conservation officers and Michigan county sheriffs encourage all persons operating boats in Michigan to enroll in a boating safety course. CLICK HERE.
Online Boating Safety Classes and Exam
Michigan now offers two online boating safety classes and exam:
BoatEd.com and BoaterExam.com
MRBIS (Michigan Recreational Boating Information System)
There are more than 1,300 public boating access sites and over 80 harbors and marinas throughout the state of Michigan administered by state, county and local units of government. This Web site gives you the ability to locate and map boating access sites, harbors and marinas for your next boating adventure! Use the Fish Finder! CLICK HERE.
Life Jackets Save Lives
Life Jackets Float, You Don't! Wear It!
Boating accident statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that 90 percent of the people who drown in a boating or water accident would be alive today if they had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. CLICK HERE.
