TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office is hoping for a safe summer of boating.

To get the season started off right, a boating safety course was held Saturday afternoon at the civic center. More than 50 students of all ages participated in the class. Those who successfully completed the course earned a Boating Safety Certificate.

Michigan law requires Boating Safety Certificates for drivers between the ages of 12 and 15. Anyone born after 1978 must have the Certificate to operate a Jet Ski.

There was no charge for attending Saturday’s class.