<p>Teri not only enjoys writing and the outdoors, she also loves telling people how to stay safe when on the water or when enjoying other outdoor activities.</p>
National Safe Boating Week 2026 is May 16–22, marking the annual, official kickoff of the Safe Boating Campaign just before Memorial Day weekend. The campaign promotes safe, responsible boating, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets, checking safety gear, and taking a boater education course.
While not everyone needed a boating license in California in the past, it's now required for operating any motorized vessel on the state's waterways. The change took effect on January 1, 2025, and all boaters, regardless of age, must carry a California Boater Card (CBC). So,…
New Hampshire requires operators 16+ to pass a NASBLA-approved boater safety course if operating a boat with 25 hp or more, or any ski craft, and to carry their card on board. You can take the boat-ed course online, which typically takes 4-8 hours, though individuals…
As of July 1, 2025, Minnesota has a new boater education law. That means boaters who previously didn't need a permit to operate motorized vessels on the state's waterways may need to take a course to obtain one. Whether you need boating licensing (and when) depends…
If you plan to go boating in Wisconsin and you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC). You can get your certificate by passing an approved boating safety course, and…
