lasses 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 of Nebraska. 

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 allows only people 18 years of age and older to operate boats, including personal watercrafts, in Nebraska waters. The lone exception is 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. 

Nebraska recognizes the successful completion of certified boating safety courses in other states so people 14 - 17 years old may operate a boat in this state if they can provide proof of having successfully completed another states course. 

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. 

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.