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Foremost News and Media
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Grand Rapids, MI – Foremost Insurance Company is urging all boaters to stay safe this summer and know the laws before they launch.

“It is the responsibility of all boaters to know the rules of the water,” said Dan Gordon, senior marine product manager for Foremost Insurance Company. “One of the best ways to learn is to take a boater’s safety course. Instruction can help save lives.” According to the 2008 United States Coast Guard data, 90% of boating deaths occurred in accidents with operators that hadn’t taken a safety course.

A safety course not only provides essential knowledge about boat handling, navigation and required equipment; it may also be required in order to operate a vessel. Depending on the state, the driver’s age and the type of craft, passing a boater’s safety course may be mandatory. “Boating laws vary. It’s essential that all boaters check their states’ websites to find out what’s necessary,” added Gordon “Regardless of what’s required, a safety course is good idea for any boat or personal watercraft operator.” 

Passing a certified safety course may also make the boat owner eligible for a discount on their insurance policy premium. “Discounts depend of the carrier and the type of course passed,” remarked Gordon. “An insurance agent will be able to check if the safety course the policyholder took qualifies.”

For more tips on how to safely navigate the nation’s waterways, visit the safety section of Foremost.com.

To learn more about Foremost’s products or to share feedback, visit Foremost.com, our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ForemostInsurance or our Twitter page at Twitter.com/Foremost.