A new boater education law goes into effect on July 1st in Minnesota.

DNR spokesman Adam Block says for the first time, people older than age 17 will be required to have an operator’s permit. He says anyone 12 years of age or older and born after June 30th of 2004, must complete and obtain a valid watercraft operators permit to operate a motorboat and or a personal watercraft on Minnesota waters.

By July 2026, the permit requirement will expand to residents 26 and younger. In 2027, it will include anyone 31 years old or younger; by 2028, all boaters 41 years old or younger will be required to have a permit. Block says the move is to help make our waterways safer.

How to obtain a Minnesota watercraft operator’s permit:

Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html

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