Need a good excuse to spend an entire Saturday at Bass Pro Shops? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has got you covered. Simply call the WRD Law Enforcement office in Gainesville and pre-register for one of three WRD-sponsored Boating Safety Classes, just one of many similar classes offered around the state, to be held at the Lawrenceville Bass Pro Shops location April 28, May 12 or June 21-22.

With Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer just a month away, WRD and Bass Pro Shops want to get the message on the importance of safety out to all Georgia boaters. "Safety is our first and foremost concern, and the course we offer covers all aspects of responsible boating. The more training and experience Georgia's boat operators have, the better off they'll be on the water," stresses Course Instructor and WRD Law Enforcement Conservation Ranger Mark Stephens.

While the course is geared towards the inexperienced operator, any level operator can benefit from the course material. Classes will take place from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day except June 21-22, which splits the course into two sessions from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. each night.

"I concentrate on important information concerning situations that the boaters will likely come in contact with, like boat equipment basics, safety issues and commonly overlooked boating laws," explains Stephens.

The course is free and designed for individuals 12 years of age and up. Each session has a capacity of 25 participants, so interested persons are encouraged to pre-register as soon as possible by contacting the WRD Law Enforcement office in Gainesville at (770) 535-5499. Participants should bring their own lunch and expect to receive a detailed course booklet and a Boat Safety Certificate upon successful completion of the course examination.

For more information on Boating Safety Courses available in Georgia - including online and video courses - call 770-761-3010. To download a printable version of Georgia's boating safety handbook, covering all Georgia laws, rules and regulations, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com. For more information on Bass Pro Shops visit www.basspro.com .