Colorado boating age law changes [Video]

PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) – Starting June 1st, the minimum age to drive a motorboat in Colorado is being raised to 18 years old. Currently, a person only has to be 16 years old or age 14 or 15 if you complete the boater safety course.

This is part of a nationwide effort to make boater education for powerboats mandatory and to encourage boaters to learn important skills for responsible boating at an early age.

Grant Brown, the Boating Safety and Registrations Program Manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) also mentions they have not seen an increase in accidents or unsafe boating by those under 18, they’re just taking this action to make sure everyone learns these skills.

“Be mindful, be a good captain or a good boater, make sure you’re giving everyone space and operating safely and not carelessly or recklessly.”

People can still drive a motor boat if …