LPSO offering boating safety class

In an effort to promote safety, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is holding a boating safety class on Saturday, July 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free, day-long session will be held at the Lafourche Parish Regional Training Academy, located at 751 Goode St. in Thibodaux.

The class is required for boaters born after Jan. 1, 1988, who operate a vessel in Louisiana waters. However, only participants ages 13 or older will receive certification.

Lt. Jeremy Granier of the sheriff’s office said the class is a good way for the younger kids to learn early.

“The kids between ages 10 and 13 are going to have to repeat the class again once they become of age,” he said. “But a lot of parents choose to send their kids anyway just for the knowledge and, in case of emergencies, they know what to do.”

Granier said the July 26 class is not the same course offered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The LDWF course is offered in two-hour sessions over the course of a week.

“We do everything in one day,” Granier said.

The sheriff’s office class will cover such topics as:

• Differences in hull designs (flat hull versus V-shaped)

• Outboard versus inboard motors

• Capacity laws

• Requirements in each boat (number of life jackets, flares, etc.)

• Emergency response

• Jet ski laws

A comprehensive test will be given at the end of the eight-hour course. All students must pass the test in order to earn certification.

To register, call Granier at (985) 449-4480.