University-accredited Jet Ski Class? California School First to Offer Unique Program this Fall.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 1998--Back to school isn't what it used to be at California State University Sacramento (CSUS).

Students can now get college credit for taking a JET SKI(R) personal watercraft boating safety course.

The 12-week course will be offered starting this fall through the CSUS Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center, assisted by a grant from the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBAW), offers various water sports like water skiing, sailing and Olympic rowing.

Last year, the Aquatic Center petitioned the University's Physical Education Department and was granted accreditation for the one credit personal watercraft (PWC) class, which is open not only to students but also to the general public. Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., Good Times Kawasaki and Roseville Kawasaki, local dealers, have provided JET SKI watercraft to be used for the class.

Aquatic Center water ski coordinator Brian Dulgar sparked the idea for an accredited course. "Personal watercraft (PWC) safety has become an important issue," Dulgar said. "With roughly 200,000 new PWC owners every year, we had a high demand to provide this class. You can get college credit for water skiing and diving ... why not for learning to be a safe boater?"

"We see the Aquatic Center's University course as another opportunity to put safe boaters on the water," said Roger Hagie, Kawasaki director of public affairs. "The PWC industry has grown at a rapid rate. PWC make up about one-third of all powerboat sales in the United States, and a lot of our buyers are new to boating. The industry is working with state legislatures to implement mandatory education laws. However, until we're successful in all 50 states, the Aquatic Center has taken the lead in developing an accessible, easy, fun way for people to learn how to boat safely."

Students get 10 weeks of training with four two-hour classroom lectures and six weeks of hands-on PWC operating experience. They must complete the DBAW boat operator's home study course and the "Jet Set" course, designed specifically for PWC. In order to pass the course, students must successfully complete several exams. There is also a $100 lab fee to cover the cost of oil and fuel, and students must be at least 16 years old.