2/3/2005
MANDATORY BOATING EDUCATION CLASSES SET FOR 14-17 YEAR OLDS - Tom Keith

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 anywhere in the state.

As of January 1, 2004, everyone under 18 years of age operating a boat, including personal watercraft, anywhere 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 requires that only people 18 years of age and older are allowed to operate boats, including personal watercrafts, in Nebraska waters. The lone exception will be that a person 14 years of age or older who has not yet reached their 18th birthday may operate a boat if he or she has satisfactorily completed a boating safety course approved by the Commission and has a valid boating safety certificate in his or her possession.

"The Nebraska Boating Basics safety course consists of a minimum of six formal classroom hours and is taught by instructors approved by the Commission. Students must score 70 percent or higher on the exam to be certified," Angell said.

Nebraska will recognize the successful completion of boating safety courses certified in other states so that people 14 - 17 years old may operate a boat in this state. The person must, however, provide proof of having successfully completed a certified boating safety course in another state. 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.

Angell says the new law is important because boating accidents and fatalities continue to occur in Nebraska and "year after year we still find that almost all of the people who died while boating had no boating-safety education."

"The education courses are required for certain boat operators, but that does not mean that all boat operators cant voluntarily take the course," he said. "The advantage is safe boat operation, which may save a life, and a possible reduction in your boat insurance premium."

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 the web site, 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 -- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Feb. 26 – 9 a.m. - noon – Norfolk

Nebraska Game and Parks, to register call the office at (402) 370-3374, $10 registration fee.

April 9 – begins at 9 a.m. – Gordon

Methodist Church, to register contact Heath Packett, (308) 282-2553, bring a sack lunch, no registration fee.

 

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