Are you planning to spend time on the water this year boating or operating a personal watercraft? Especially if you are going to be supervising children on the water, be sure to check laws and requirements for water safety certification in the state(s) where you’re boating. Many states offer online courses that cost much less than fines for noncompliance!

Information regarding water safety certification can be found on state DNR websites:

• Illinois DNR – dnr.illinois.gov/safety/boatingsafety.html

• Indiana DNR – www.in.gov/dnr/law-enforcement/education/boating-education-and-safety/

• Iowa DNR – www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/boating/boater-education-safety

• Ohio DNR – ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/education-training/boater-education-skills/boater-education-and-skills

• Michigan DNR – www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/boating

• Minnesota DNR – www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/index.html

• Wisconsin DNR – dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation