House panel keeps bill on boater safety afloat

A bill that would require boaters to take a safety course and have a valid driver's license passed out of a House committee Wednesday.

The measure, HB154, is designed to prevent boating accidents, according to sponsor Rep. James Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville. Since 1995, the state has had 93 boat-related accidents and 79 percent of Utah voters have not completed a boating safety class, he said.

"We really believe that everyone should have boating education, and it will be available to everyone."

Dunnigan's measure does not apply to boaters using a vehicle with less than a 50 horsepower engine.