Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is set to host its 14th annual Boating Education Lagniappe Day on April 26, 2025. The event will take place at nine locations across the state, offering an excellent opportunity for residents to complete the mandatory boating education course required for motorboat operation.
Boating Education Lagniappe Day is designed to provide free, comprehensive boating education to the public. The LDWF will supply certified instructors from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to lead the courses. In addition to the educational session, participants will enjoy complimentary lunch, and several locations will offer door prizes. The event is free of charge, but spaces are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Anyone born after January 1, 1984, is required by law to complete the approved boating education course and carry proof of completion to legally operate a motorboat exceeding 10 horsepower. The course covers essential topics, including boat types, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements, and equipment. It also provides valuable information on navigation rules, trailering, personal watercraft, canoeing, and sailboats. Upon successful completion, participants will be issued a vessel operator certification.
“We are proud to offer this free event to help educate the public about safe boating practices,” said a spokesperson from the LDWF. “This is a great opportunity for people to learn and earn their boating education certification in a fun, relaxed setting.”
The event would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors, including local businesses and organizations such as the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agents Association (LWAA).
Locations and Sponsors for Boating Education Lagniappe Day:
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Claiborne Parish
- Time: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd., Homer, LA 71040
- Sponsors: Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Coca Cola of Minden, Michael’s Men Store, River Cities Machine, Homer Motor Supply, Bass Pro Shop, and M&M Auto.
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Ouachita Parish
- Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Ludwig Marine, 7423 Hwy. 165 N, Monroe, LA 71203
- Sponsors: T.P. Outdoors and Ludwig Marine of Monroe.
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Rapides Parish
- Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Region 3 LDWF Enforcement Office, 1995 Shreveport Hwy., Pineville, LA 71360
- Sponsor: Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agents Association (LWAA).
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Lafayette Parish
- Time: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Location: LDWF Lafayette Office, 200 Dulles Rd., Lafayette, LA 70506
- Sponsors: Pizza Village and Redmond Marine.
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Calcasieu Parish
- Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: LDWF Lake Charles Office, 1025 Tom Watson Road, Lake Charles, LA 70615
- Sponsors: Beauregard Parish Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited and Mr. Gatti’s Pizza of Lake Charles.
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Assumption Parish
- Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Bayou L’ourse Recreation Center, 1213 La Hwy 662, Morgan City, LA 70308
- Sponsors: Assumption Parish Police Juror Ira Patureau and LWAA.
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St. Tammany Parish
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Tammany Yacht Club, 1196 Harbor Dr., Slidell, LA 70458
- Sponsors: Gus’ Tackle and Nets of Slidell and LWAA.
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Tangipahoa Parish
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Apocalypse Sports, 40147 Interstate Service Rd., Ponchatoula, LA 70454
- Sponsor: Apocalypse Sports.
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Jefferson Parish
- Time: 9:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Jefferson Parish Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, LA 70001
- Sponsor: LWAA.
LDWF encourages participants to register early, as spots are filling up quickly. To register for one of the courses, individuals can visit the LDWF website and click on the link for “Find A Course Near You.”
This event continues to be a vital resource for ensuring safe and knowledgeable boating practices across Louisiana, reinforcing the state’s commitment to promoting safety on the water.