No age limit on safe boater education

Grand River Dam Authority Police Officer Jason Littlefield is gearing up to spend some time in the classroom over the next several months and, if boating is part of your summertime plans, you may want to join him. As the instructor for the free Kyle Williams Safe Boating Courses offered by the GRDA Police Department, Littlefield will be teaching boaters, young and old, about the important safety information they need to know before operating certain types of boats on Oklahoma waters. When the day-long course is finished, those boaters receive their certification and leave with what is hopefully a new appreciation for safe boating.

Named for a 12-year-old Oklahoma boy who was killed in a jet ski accident on Lake Eufaula in 2004, the Kyle Williams Safe Boating Act became Oklahoma law in 2007. It prohibits children between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age; without a valid driver’s license, from operating any vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, or sailing vessel 16 feet or longer, without first completing these state approved boater safety courses. Children must be at least 11 years old to take the course.

Yet, while the benefits of the course are certainly evident for young boaters, Littlefield says even older boaters can benefit from time spent in the classroom.

“It’s a really good course,” said Littlefield. “I think it has something for everybody; no matter how old you are. It is something that will benefit you one way or another.”

In fact, here are a few reasons Mom and Dad should stick around for the course too.

1. A possible insurance benefit: According to Littlefield, adult boaters who complete a safe boating course may actually be eligible for an insurance discount. Check with your provider to see if that may be an option for you.
2. There is always something new to learn: During the courses taught by GRDA, not only is general boater safety covered but Littlefield said the rules specific to Grand and Hudson are also part of the discussion. That could be helpful to seasoned boaters who are new to these lakes. 
3. Set an example: When Mom and/or Dad stay for the course too, it helps send a message to your children that proper boating safety is important for the entire family. That is a message that can be sustained for many years, and generations to come.

According to Littlefield, the lessons learned in the classroom have been translated to the lakes in recent years, and the GRDA Police continue to see the signs of safe, educated boaters on the waters. However, it is never a bad idea to get a safety refresher from time to time.

You can register online at https://grda.regfox.com/2022-kyle-williams-boating-safety-class. You can also find the registration link under the social media feed on grda.com. For more information contact Jason Littlefield at (918) 981-8438 or by email at Jason.littlefield@grda.com.

# # #