New Requirement for Youth Water Operator’s Permit July 2025

Please consider attending the Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations (MN COLA) meeting on May 20th, 6:30 PM at the Rockville City Hall. Full agenda here: https://www.srcl.org/calendar/mncola2025

A deputy from the Stearns County Water Patrol will review the new requirements concerning the operation of watercraft on Minnesota lakes. Starting July 1, 2025, the law will require operators 21 years and younger to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit for motorboats and personal watercraft. The MN DNR offers online certification at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Mandatory boater education in Minnesota will use a phased-in approach. By 2028, anyone born on or after July 1, 1987, will be required to have a valid watercraft operator's permit/certificate. The program will go into effect on July 1, 2025, requiring anyone born on or after July 2004 to take the course and pass. See page 24 of the 2025 MN Boating Guide for details on the requirement, the dates for each impacted age group, and how to acquire the permit.