The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol will offer boater safety classes at three locations this summer.

The classes are open for boaters who will be at least 12 years of age by the end of the boating season. Students who successfully complete the course will receive certification that will allow them to operate a boat over 5 horsepower without adult supervision. Youths ages 12-15 may operate a boat under 6 horsepower without a boater’s safety certificate.

Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14 years of age and be in the possession of a boater’s safety certificate if born after Dec. 31, 1978. Youths between 12 and 13 may operate a personal watercraft if they have a parent on board and the parent has a boater’s safety certificate at the time of operation.

Classes will be held on the following dates: June 25, 26, 27 and Aug. 6, 7, 8 at the Leelanau County Law Enforcement Center, July 9, 10, 11 at the Glen Lake Yacht Club; and July 23, 24, 25 at the Northport Fire Hall. All classes will start and 9 a.m. and conclude by noon. Participants must attend all three days in the course sequence and pass a test to receive a certificate. There is no charge to participate.

No advanced reregistration is required and there is no charge for the classes. For more information, call the Sheriff's Department at 256-8800.