OHP Offers Its Free Boater Safety Classes In Broken Arrow

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol boater safety course is being offered again this lake season.

OHP’s marine enforcement division offers a free course to boat operators of all ages, but the law states that most minors complete the course before operating a boat.

Oklahoma State law requires any person 12 to 16 years of age -- who operates most any powered motor boat, sailboat 16 feet or greater in length or a personal watercraft -- to successfully complete an approved boating safety education course.

“Many surrounding states require operators of all ages to be certified,” OHP says. “This course is a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved basic boating safety course and meets nationally mandated requirements for operators that may want to operate/rent certain vessels in states that require an operator be have a boating safety certification/license.”

In addition, OHP says most insurance companies offer discounts for boat owners who have successfully completed the course.

The first session kicks off this weekend and is at full capacity, but there are more chances to participate.

• June 11 and 25
• July 16
• Aug. 27
• Sept. 10

The classes are held at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow and are from 9:45 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Spots are limited, so you must pre-register to participate. To register for any of these classes or for additional information about other class dates and times, click here.