Get Ready For Boating Season With Safety Courses
Although recent warm weather sent many people onto Alabama's lakes and rivers, the unofficial beginning of the boating season typically is Memorial Day weekend. With the unofficial beginning of the summer vacation season still three months away there is still time for Alabama residents to take one of the many Boating Basics and License Courses scheduled in West Alabama and across the state.
The classes are apparently seriously needed. Last Memorial Day alone 1,084 marine safety warnings were issued by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's (ALEA) Marine Police. That is just one holiday.
Some of the common boating a violation listed by the Marine Police are boating without a valid license, boating without sufficient life jackets, improper navigation lights and boating under the influence. Failure to ensure children under eight are wearing proper life jackets has been upgraded from a misdemeanor to a Boating Violation. with a $200 fine and up to 30 days in jail possible. Boating without a safety certificate is also a Boating Violation for Alabama residents and visitors who remain in state for more than 45 days.
Most boating violations are classified as misdemeanors and bring fines ranging from $10.00 to $100+, as well as court costs.
With the above in mind, it is important to attend one of the many boating safety classes offered in the Central District. They are listed below:
Date: March 2 - March 3 (Must attend both days)
- Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
- City: Greensboro
- Address: Greensboro Fire Department, 554 Armory St. Greensboro, AL 36744
- Instructor Contact: Jeromy.johnson@alea.gov
Date: March 7
- Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
- City: Carrolton
- Location: Pickens County Sheriff's Office Training Center, 188 Cemetery Street, Carrolton, AL 35447
- Instructor Contact: ryan.wise@alea.gov
Date: March 14
- City: Centreville
- Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
- Location: The Fish Ranger, 100 Walnut Street Centreville, AL 35042
- Instructor Contact: kevin.lawrence@alea.gov
Date: March 14
- City: Tuscaloosa
- Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
- Location: ALEA Tuscaloosa Trooper Post, 2645 Skyland Blvd E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
- Instructor Contact: michael.duke@alea.gov
Date: April 6 - April 7 (Must attend both days)
- City: Moundville
- Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
- Location: Moundville City Hall, 410 Market Street, Moundville, AL 35474
- Instructor Contact: jeromy.johnson@alea.gov
Date: April 11
- City: Tuscaloosa
- Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
- Location: ALEA Tuscaloosa Trooper Post, 2645 Skyland Blvd E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
- Instructor Contact: michael.duke@alea.gov
Date: April 25
- City: Carrolton
- Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
- Location: Pickens County Sheriff's Office Training Center, 188 Cemetery Street, Carrolton, AL 35447
- Instructor Contact: ryan.wise@alea.gov
Date: April 25
- City: Tuscaloosa
- Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
- Location: Captain’s Club, 17832 Mariners Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
- Instructor Contact: Kevin.lawrence@alea.gov
Date: May 2
- City: Tuscaloosa
- Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
- Location: ALEA Tuscaloosa Trooper Post, 2645 Skyland Blvd E. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
- Instructor Contact: michael.duke@alea.gov
The Central District covers 32 counties with major waterways along the Black Warrior, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Alabama, Tombigbee, and Chattahoochee Rivers, and numerous smaller rivers and lakes, such as Lake Tuscaloosa. So, happy boating, the safe way!
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