Washington County Sportsman’s Club will be hosting an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Boater Safety Education Course on Saturday, July 19^th from 8 AM to 5 PM.  The class will be held at the American Legion Hall in Nashville on the lower level of the building.  Lunch will be provided.  Area residents will have the opportunity to learn the basic principles of boating safety, equipment and requirements, navigation, motorboats, registration and titling, emergency measures and the Illinois boating laws.  The program is primarily designed to train young people between the ages of 12 and 18.  Students under the age of 11 may participate in the exam to receive certification.  Students 11 years old will receive their certificate upon their 12^th birthday.  Persons 12 and over completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency and graduate patch.  On January 1, 1978, Illinois law was passed that requires persons at least 12 years of age and less than 18 years of age may only operate a motorboat if they have a valid Boating Education Certificate of Competency issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Division.  Or they are accompanied on the motorboat and under the direct control of a parent or guardian, or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian.  No person under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat.  For information, or to register for the free course, contact Matt Bierman at 618-967-5522 and leave message if no answer.