Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft?
No one under the age of 12 may operate, lease or rent a personal watercraft. No one under the age of 16 lease or rent a personal watercraft. Children ages 12-15 may operate a personal watercraft if in possession of a boating safety course completion certificate issued by the WIDNR or another State. Adult supervision is not a substitute for a certificate. Operators 16 years of age or older are not required to complete a boating safety course. Persons born on or after 1/1/89 and who are at least 16 years of age are required to take a DNR approved boating safety education course in order to operate a motorboat in Winsconsin. The BoatU.S. Online Boating Safety Course does not meet this state’s boating education requirements.
