National Park College (NPC) has completed the first Boater’s Education course on campus.
Three NPC students and 14 high school students completed the course.
High School Marine instructor Johnathan Rucker said, “As an avid sportsman in Arkansas,
I decided to offer something for the students who participated in the Marine Tech
program. The course is offered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). I
personally think that it is a very rewarding accomplishment for students to not only
work on boats, but also be able to drive the boats they fix.”
Rucker contacted the AGFC to inquire how he could offer this course to his students.
AGFC directed him to the certification he needed and he complete the requirements.
Lakeside student Samantha Phillips said, “I think having a boating license is the
most important thing to have. It ensures that everyone will be safe if they’re out
having fun on a Saturday, and I think everyone should try to go out and get a boating
license.”
“It ensures that I actually know what I am doing whenever I’m out driving my boat.
It helps me have confidence that other people know what they are doing if they have
their license,” said Fountain Lake student Kailani Haire.
Rucker added, “I think it’s a good opportunity for this College to get some recognition,
and the high school students that we have are able to get something when they leave
this program. This was my first time teaching this course so I really wasn’t sure
what to expect. My students embraced it pretty well and they all did a good job.”
Rucker said he plans to offer this course every year going forward.
