Boaters enjoy Congamond Lakes in Southwick throughout the boating season. (WNG file photo)
SOUTHWICK – The Massachusetts Environmental Police and the Town of Southwick have coordinated to host a boating course at the Southwick Town Hall April 22 to April 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. It is required that people take part in all four classes.
The course is free and designed to help educate people about safety and responsibility when operating a boat. The course will help raise awareness about the importance of safety equipment, safe boating practices, and legal responsibilities.
Anyone in Massachusetts who wants to operate a boat alone between the ages of 12 and 15-years-old, or wants to use a personal watercraft at 16 or 17-years-old, needs a boating safety certificate. By participating in all four classes from April 22 to April 25, that individual will receive a boating safety certificate.
“You can also use this certificate in other states that require adults to have a boating license, like Vermont,” said Lt. Tara Carlow of the Massachusetts Environmental Police. “Please check with that state to make sure first.”
The boating course in Southwick could be important for residents of the town or people living in neighboring communities as Congamond Lake consists of 465 acres and features three different ponds.
Besides the classes in Southwick, there will also be boating courses in April in Indian Orchard and Lenox and people can learn more about those details on the Environmental Police page.
Those interested in signing up for the boating course in Southwick can do so by completing the enrollment form found on the state’s web site, mass.gov
