Lincoln, Neb. – Classes are now forming for 14- to 17-year-olds who must successfully complete a boating safety course before operating a boat or personal watercraft in the state.

Everyone under 18 years of age who wants to operate a boat, including personal watercraft in Nebraska, must have successfully completed a boating safety course and have a valid boating safety certificate in his or her possession, according to Herb Angell, Nebraska Boating Law Administrator.

Angell says Nebraska law allows only people 18 years of age and older to operate boats, including personal watercrafts, in Nebraska waters. The only exception is for people ages 14 to 18 who have satisfactorily completed a boating safety course approved by the Commission and who have a valid boating safety certificate in their possession.

Nebraska recognizes the successful completion of certified boating safety courses in other states. It is important to note that completion of the Home Study Boating Education Course does not fulfill personal watercraft education requirements for persons under 18 years.

Here are the latest additions to the growing list of Boating Education classes scheduled across the state. For information regarding classes, contact your local Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office or check on the Boating page at www.outdoornebraska.org. Additional information will be posted as it is received, so check back often to learn about new classes forming in your area.

Newly scheduled classes include:

Feb. 25 – 9 a.m. – Omaha

Omaha Marine Center, 9610 L St., to register contact Jean Goble, 402-397-2916, $10 registration fee.

Feb. 25 – 8 a.m. – Lincoln

Willard Community Center, 1245 S. Folsom, to register contact Mary, 402-540-3113, $10 registration fee.

March 14, 16, 21 and 23 – 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. -- Omaha

Safety and Health Council of Omaha, 11620 M Circle, to register contact Michael Bahr, 402-689-5715, $10 registration fee.

March 18 – 9:30 a.m. – Papillion

Nebraska Watersports, 329 S. Washington, to register contact Jean Goble, 402-397- 2916. $10 registration fee.

March 25 – 9 a.m. – North Platte

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Office, 301 East State Farm Road, to register contact: Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, 308-535-8025, $10 registration fee.

March 25 – 8 a.m. – Lincoln

Willard Community Center, 1245 S. Folsom, to register contact Mary, 402-540-3113, $10 registration fee.

March 27 and 28 – 6 - 9 p.m. – Grand Island

Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy, 3600 Academy Road, to register contact Daryl Teter, 308-754-7829, no registration fee.

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