Boating enthusiasts and beginners are invited to take advantage of a free boating safety class offered at this year’s Detroit Boat Show, courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division, the Oakland County Marine Division and the Detroit Boat Show. Those who complete the class will receive one free ticket to the show.

The class will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Cobo Center, 1 Washington Blvd. in downtown Detroit. Pre-registration starts at 10 a.m. and the class will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited; pre-registration is encouraged. Participants can also register in advance online at www.detroitboatshow.net. Walk-ins will be accepted if space allows.

Anyone who prefers to register by phone may contact Sgt. Al Bavarskas of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division at 248-359-9040.

Sgt. Bavarskas said the class will teach participants important rules and tips needed for safe boating.

“Additionally,” he said, “people who take the boating safety class and earn a boater’s safety certificate often qualify for a discount on boat insurance.”

To see more information about boating in Michigan – including safety tips, boating opportunities and harbor locations – visit www.michigan.gov/boating.

Image courtesy Michigan DNR