text: how old do you have to be to take boater's safety?   red cross boating safety can be taken at age 12, and it's a great idea for any new boater, regardless of age. they should also ensure that they can swim. it's amazing to me the number of people who go boating who don't even posses survival swimming skills, like being able to tread water! a life jacket should be a supportive device, not your sole safety device.  but enough of my ranting. to go back to your original question, 12 years of age.  go for it!