A Maine lawmaker says the state has the highest boating fatality rate in New England, and he wants to do something about it.
Rep. Thom Watson of Bath is proposing mandatory, one-time boating safety courses after a year in which 16 people died in boating accidents in Maine.
Watson’s bill would be phased in over eight years. It would require the youngest and least-experienced boaters to take a boating safety course or pass a safety test. Older and experienced boaters would face similar requirements.
Source: Portland Press Herald
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Legislation Maine
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
NC Jury Award for Workers Injured in Wall Collapse May be Largest in State History
Progressive Is Biggest Auto Insurer, Surpassing State Farm, Says S&P GMI
Florida Court Says 2020 Law Gives ‘Very Broad’ Liability Immunity to Rideshare Firms
Texans Hate Data Centers So Much They Are Asking Jesus for Help 

