With warmer temperatures just around the corner, Wisconsinites are dreaming about getting their boats back out onto the lakes, but what they might not know is that not being prepared could cost them big time this summer. In 2013, the Coast Guard counted more than 4,000 boating accidents around the nation that involved 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries, and caused approximately $39 million dollars of damage to property. At Schwarz Insurance, we want to help keep you, your family and your boat safe this summer – that’s why we recommend that you take one of many boating safety classes being offered around Wisconsin right now.  

The facts surrounding boating deaths make a clear case for the importance of safety classes:

• 77% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims, 84% were not wearing a life jacket.
• 80% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. Only 13% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received boating safety instruction from a course that met the U.S. Coast Guard-recognized national standards.

Furthermore, anyone born on or after January 1st, 1989 is legally required to pass a boating safety class before they can drive a boat. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities this summer for you to get your son or daughter ready for the water (or even to brush up on your own skills!):

3/28/15 at Skipper Bud’s in Sturgeon Bay

4/18/15 at Maple Bluff Town Hall

4/25/15 at Redline Watersports in Madison

Contact John Linder at 608 692-8595 or Jflinder5318@gmail.com

4/11/15 at Don’s Marine in Lodi

5/09/15 at Castle Rock Marine in New Lisbon

Contact Dennis Shaw at 608 843-2261 or shawd@charter.net

5/02/15 at Town of Beloit Fire Department

Contact Ryan Gafner at 608 931-2349 or rggafner@aol.com

Each class lasts only one day, from 8 AM to 5 PM. Upon completion, each participant receives DNR certification for boating in Wisconsin.

Schwarz Insurance also offers watercraft insurance to boat owners. Follow the link below to get a quote – protecting your recreational property might be cheaper than you thought! At Schwarz Insurance, we’re deeply committed to keeping you afloat – after all, we’ve been insuring families across Wisconsin for over 90 years.