Jack Dennis, U.S.C.G. Auxiliary Education Officer for the Lake Barkley and Kentucky lakes areas, has made the necessary arrangements to conduct an extensive series of safe boating course classes for all the residents in the western Kentucky area. With the 2009 boating season fast approaching, and spring just around the corner, Dennis urges all men, women and young adults who have never taken a safe boating course, or have not attended a refresher class during the past ten years, to sign-up for classes commencing next month.

Although today it is not mandatory to attend educational classes for operating water craft in the state of Kentucky, as it is in many of our surrounding states, the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies strongly encourage education as a means of improving safety on the lakes and rivers. Many unfortunate injuries and drownings occur because boaters and their passengers do not take the proper precautions before they head out on their pleasure excursion.

These classes are designed, developed and presented by experienced teachers, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary who have had extensive years of “on the water” training. Many of these ladies and gentlemen reside right here in the lakes area, and have one objective in mind, and that’s to keep our boating public as safe as possible in 2009.

Most boat insurance companies will provide a 10 percent discount and more on individual policies, for anyone successfully passing this course.

(For the rest of the story, check out this week's edition of the Cadiz Record.)