BOATING CLASSES

Good Afternoon, 
Spring is just around the corner.  This means, boating season is almost here and we want everyone to have fun and operate safely this year.  
Although boater safety classes can be done online, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s office offers boater safety classes to the public at no cost.  These classes run about six hours long and typically on a Saturday.  This is why I’m reaching out to you with this email.  I would like to see If your Lake Association would want to host a boater safety class in your community.   What we have always done in the past is have Lake Associations host the class and we come in a teach it.  These classes can be done at Fire Halls, Township Halls, or even at our department.   With these classes each individual receives a one on one with our Marine Deputy for any questions, a boater safety booklet and boater safety certificate. 
Last year we taught right around 65 students.  This includes kids and adults.  I would love to see those numbers go up.  Our main goal on the Marine Division is to instill boater safety to everyone we come in contact with.  This is to make sure everyone, no matter their boating skills can have fun while operating safely on our county lakes. 
If your Lake Association would like to host a class and have a place in mind, shoot me a date that would work for you.  If you would like to host a class, but don’t have a place to host, just shoot me a date and I will get a place for you.   Each class and date will be added to our County website as well as the DNR website.  If you have any questions, please feel free in contacting me.      
Thank you, 
Nathan Penning
Marine Division Sgt. & Dive Team Captain
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office
205 S Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw, MI 49079
269-657-2006  Ext. 3995
Penningn@vbco.org