The plentiful supply of lakes in southwestern Michigan provide hours of enjoyment for local residents, visitors and those who call this area their “second home.”

While the lakes provide recreation and fun for all ages, a day of celebration can turn tragic in a short time if boaters do not know or adhere to safe boating practices.

Dowagiac Department of Public Safety Director Tom Atkinson encourages everyone to educate themselves on current laws and safe boating practices to keep everyone safe during the boating season.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division provides boating safety classes at locations throughout the county, including the Indian Lake Yacht Club in the Dowagiac area.

A complete schedule of classes offered for the 2010 season is listed below with a Sheriff’s Office contact number noted for registration.

Help law enforcement keep our waterways (as well as our roadways) safe – sign up today and happy boating!

June 19
Eagle Lake Marine
68777 Avenue A
Edwardsburg
June 26
Diamond Lake Yacht Club
Sponsored by Diamond Lake Association
21316 Shore Acres Rd
Cassopolis
July 10
Cass County Conservation Club
Sponsored by Baldwin Lake Association
13710 U.S-12
Union
July 17
Donnell Lake Conservation Club
16900 Lakeview Drive
Vandalia
July 24
Indian Lake Yacht Club
55900 Indian Lake Rd
Dowagiac

The boating safety certificate is only valid for students who are older then 12 years.
Students should have their 12th birthday in 2010 to pre-register.

Students may pre-register by calling the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 445-1240 and register with the administration front desk.

Please have the student’s legal name, address, phone number and date of birth at the time of registration.

All classes start at 8 a.m. and should be done by 2 p.m.

If you have additional topics you would like included in future editions of Safety Corner, please contact Patty Klug at Dowagiac Police Department at 782-9743, ext. 301.