Sheriff's Office announces boat safety training

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office marine unit recently announced its upcoming recreational boat safety training classes.

"We've designed these trainings for fishermen and recreational boaters," Jason Mower from the Sheriff's Office explained. "Training topics will include common terminology, trailering, marlinspike seamanship, docking and mooring, navigation, vessel handling, weather conditions, communications, safety and emergency equipment and procedures, state law, and much more."

A federally certified marine law enforcement training instructor from the sheriff's office leads all the classes, a press release explained. Participants will receive a completion certification that they may use toward a discount on their boating insurance.

"This year, we're offering basic safety and advanced operations classes," Mower said. "The introductory safety course is a prerequisite for the advanced operations class."

Four opportunities to attend the introductory safety training class are scheduled, taking place Friday, April 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 19, from 8 to 10 a.m.; Friday, May 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, May 17, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Two opportunities are scheduled to attend the advanced operations course on Saturday, April 19 and on Saturday, May 17, both from 10 a.m. to noon.

All classes will be hosted in the sheriff's office training room at the Sweetwater County Justice Center at 50140B U.S. Highway 191 South in Rock Springs.

These classes are free and open to the public, ages eight and up. Space is limited, so participants are asked to register in advance.

To register or for more information, contact Sergeant Steve Powell at (307) 922-5337 or powells@sweetwatercountywy.gov.