CENTREVILLE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As warm weather approaches and boaters begin looking ahead to days on the water, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office is offering residents a chance to sharpen their skills — and in many cases, meet state certification requirements — before the season begins.

The Sheriff’s Office will host two Boater Safety Education Courses this spring at its Training Center, 602 E. Main Street in Centreville. Classes are scheduled for April 4, 2026, and April 18, 2026, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

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The free course, taught by the department’s Marine Patrol Division, is limited to 30 students per session and is designed to build knowledgeable, safe and responsible boaters.

Participants will receive instruction in boating operation and safety, environmental stewardship, navigation rules and regulations, and the most common causes of boating accidents — along with practical ways to prevent them. At the end of the course, students who successfully pass a written exam will receive their official Boater Safety Certificate.

The certification is required for many Michigan boaters. Anyone born after June 30, 1996, must obtain a boater safety certificate to operate a motorized boat. Those born after Dec. 31, 1978, must be certified to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or WaveRunner.

With limited seating available, early registration is encouraged for those planning to take advantage of the free training before heading out on the water this season.