Feb. 3, 2000
The state Division of Parks and Recreations is thinking about requiring anyone who operates a boat with a motor, to pass a test and have a license. News Specialist Sam Penrod explains why.
This is the plan the Division of Parks and Recreation has for Utah waters over the next five years.
And the state hopes Utah boaters will give their ideas.
With recreation becoming more popular here, more people are spending time on the water.
So the most significant change in this plan, is to require anyone who operates a motorized boat to pass a written test similar to a drivers' test.
And for less experienced boaters, study materials will be free, and even available over the Internet.
The division says it's not about raising money.
Ted Wolley/Utah Parks and Recreation: "The waters get more and more crowded and we feel it is very important that boaters get educated so they know the rules of the road and it makes it more enjoyable and especially safer out there on the water."
The division says after recent laws required education programs for minors who operated jet skis, accidents dropped dramatically. They hope this education plan for boaters will do the same.
The license plan is still at least a year away and would likely be phased in over five years.
The comment period ends March 3. Then public hearings will be held later this spring.
If you would like to see the entire proposal for these boating changes and give your two cents worth, visit the Parks and Recreation Web site at:
parks.state.ut.us
