Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Charlee Olson, senior ranger at Trinidad Lake State Park, wants to make sure everyone is ready next summer when a new law will require boaters 14-17 to take a boat safety class before they can legally operate a vessel on state waters.

CPW is offering a monthly online Boating Safety Class, beginning in November, to get everyone in compliance and ready when the law takes effect July 1, 2024. 

“I want to help get these kids certified now, while it’s slower, before the summer gets here,” Olson said. “This course is required for anyone who wants to operate a motorboat, personal watercraft also known as jet skis, or a sailboat.

“Not only will the material help students stay smart and safe on the water, it can also save participants 10-15 percent on boat insurance.”

Students must be 14 at the time of the class and must register for the course at least seven days in advance. There is a small fee and a requirement to attend a 2-3 hour review session.

The course is a combination of home study and classroom hours. Students must read and study the 60-page manual prior to attending a review session with a boating instructor. 

To receive a manual, purchase it online here. If you are unable to purchase and use the electronic manual, call 303-291-7575 or email dnr_boating.safety@state.co.us to request a physical manual.

The review session will run 2 to 3 hours, depending on class size. Students will take a written test at the end of the session and must pass with a score of at least 70 percent to receive a boater identification card.