Chronicle Media staff photo.

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of safe boating at an Illinois Department of Natural Resources boater safety course scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. , at Pekin Park District’s Soldwedel Program Center.

State legislation which became effective in 1978, requires that persons 12 to 17 years old have a boating safety education certificate before they can operate a motor-driven boat or personal watercraft without adult supervision.  The certificate is issued by the Department of Natural Resources to persons who successfully complete the course requirements.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for young people who need the course in order to comply with the law”, said Don Ackerman, instructor for the course.   The course is open to the public.  Anyone, regardless of age, may take the course to brush up on their safety habits.

The minimum eight hour course includes instruction on rules of the water, Illinois boating law, first aid, safety afloat, boating construction and design, and other topics that will help make participants safe boaters.

The cost of the course is free, but advanced registration is required.  Registration should be made by calling the Pekin Park District Recreation Department at 309-347-PARK (7275). The deadline for registration will be Thursday, June 25.  Participants should plan to pack their own snacks, drinks and a sack lunch.

The class will be held at the park district’s Soldwedel Program Center located just off Route 98, adjacent to McNaughton Park and the Rockin’ “P” Riding Stables.