FREE Boater Safety Course & Certification

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March 13, 2026

Antrim County Sheriff's Office

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🚤 FREE Boater Safety Course & Certification – Antrim County Sheriff’s Office
The Antrim County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol is offering a FREE Boater Safety Course and Exam as part of the:
“2026 Boat Smart, Boat Safe, Boat Legal” Training Initiative
Students who successfully complete the course and exam will receive their Boating Safety Certificate (BSC). This course, exam, and certification are provided at no cost to participants.
⚓ Why Take This Course?
Knowledgeable boat and personal watercraft operators are key to safe and enjoyable use of Antrim County’s lakes and waterways.
Michigan law requires:
Boats:
Anyone born after July 1, 1996 must carry a Boating Safety Certificate (BSC) to operate a boat with a motor greater than 6 horsepower.
Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis):
Anyone born after December 31, 1978 must carry a Boating Safety Certificate (BSC) to operate a PWC/Jet Ski.
📍 Class Locations & Dates
All classes run 8:00 AM – approximately 3:00 PM
📅 April 11, 2026 – Mancelona High School
📅 April 18, 2026 – Elk Rapids High School
📅 April 25, 2026 – Bellaire High School
📅 May 2, 2026 – Ellsworth High School
📅 May 9, 2026 – Central Lake High School
🍽 Lunch Provided
Lunch will be provided thanks to our generous community partners:
• Elk-Skegemog Lake Association (ESLA)
• Friends of Clam Lake (FoCL)
• Three Lakes Association (TLA)
• Torch Lake Protection Alliance (TLPA)
• Intermediate Lake Association (ILA)
📝 Registration Information
Participants age 12 and up (including adults) are welcome to attend.
Students may:
• Pick up registration information at their school office, or
• Register online
To register online:
1️⃣ Search “Boater Safety Education Events – Kalkomey”
2️⃣ Enter your postal code
3️⃣ View Course
4️⃣ Click Register Now
5️⃣ Create an account
6️⃣ Log in
7️⃣ Register for the class
📖 Students should also review the Michigan pre-study guide:
“A Course on Responsible Boating.”
⚠️ Classes fill quickly, so reserve your spot soon!
📚 Course Details
The course includes approximately 4.5 hours of instruction, followed by a 60–90 minute exam and certificate awarding.
Participants will also learn about:
• Local Antrim County boating rules and regulations
• Safe boating practices
Courses are conducted by MDNR-certified Boating Safety Instructors from the Antrim County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol.
 
 
 
Contact:
Kevin Hoch, Sheriff
sheriff@antrimcountymi.gov, (231) 533-8627