Yachting season is nearly upon us, and what better place to escape the slings and arrows of coronavirus, and other misfortunes, than the bounding main, or, at least the waters of Lake Springfield? Lakes and rivers, though, can be dangerous, which is why the state of Illinois requires that anyone born after Jan. 1, 1998, obtain a boating safety certificate if they’re going to be in charge of a motorboat boasting more than 10 horsepower. Life may be cheap, but so are courses aimed at keeping boaters safe while fulfilling the state certification requirement. Which is to say, the Land of Lincoln Power Squadron will be holding free courses starting in April at City Water, Light and Power’s property management center on Lake Springfield. Boaters seeking certification must attend four weekly sessions, each lasting from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Four sessions starting April 1 will be held on Wednesdays; four weekly sessions starting April 28 will be on Tuesdays. Promoters say participants can save money on insurance while also learning the finer points of navigation, safety equipment and trailering a boat. For more information, call 836-1723 or 891-2870 or visit www.lolps.org.