By Mindy Tucker/DWR
Photos by Meghan Marchetti/DWR
Virginia’s waterways offer endless opportunities for recreation, like fishing, cruising, and simply spending a relaxing day on the water. With those opportunities comes an important responsibility: making sure boaters have the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy the water safely. And you can help with this!
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) relies on dedicated Volunteer Boater Safety Instructors to help educate boaters across the Commonwealth. These volunteers share their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for boating while helping new and experienced boaters become safer, more responsible operators.
Virginia law requires most motorboat operators to complete an approved boating safety course. DWR’s classroom course gives students the information they need to meet this requirement while preparing them for situations they may encounter on the water. Volunteer instructors are an important part of delivering this training to communities throughout Virginia.
During an in-person course, students learn about topics such as boat terminology and equipment, preparation and safe operation, navigation rules, aids to navigation, emergency procedures, Virginia boating laws, personal watercraft operation, and the dangers associated with boating under the influence. But the value of an instructor goes beyond presenting information. Volunteer instructors help students understand how boating safety principles apply when they leave the classroom, launch their boat, and take responsibility for the safety of everyone aboard.
You do not need to be a professional educator to become a DWR Volunteer Boater Safety Instructor. Some of our best instructors simply have a passion for boating, enjoy working with people, and want to give something back to Virginia’s boating community. DWR provides instructors with an approved curriculum and educational materials to help them successfully present the course. Whether you have spent decades operating boats or simply have a strong interest in boating safety, becoming an instructor is an opportunity to turn that experience into something that can benefit others.
The process begins by becoming a registered DWR volunteer and completing the required background check. Prospective instructors must also meet DWR requirements for boating safety education and complete the steps necessary to become an approved instructor. Once approved, instructors can help provide boating safety education in communities across Virginia. DWR asks active Volunteer Boater Safety Instructors to teach at least one course every year, making this a volunteer opportunity that can fit into many schedules.
Boating safety is about more than following laws and carrying the required equipment. It is about making good decisions, understanding the risks of the boating environment, and being prepared when something unexpected happens. Education is one of the most effective tools we have to help boaters make those decisions and volunteer instructors make that education possible.
If you enjoy boating, believe in the importance of safety, and would like to serve your community, consider joining DWR as a Volunteer Boater Safety Instructor. Share what you know. Inspire safer choices. Help make every day on Virginia’s waterways a safer one.
