North Platte, Nebr.   A boating safety course will be held at the Nebraska Game and Parks Office in North Platte on Saturday, April 5, according to Scott Eveland, Boating Safety Officer for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

According to Eveland, the Nebraska Boating Safety course is required of all power boat operators born after December 31, 1985, which includes operators of personal watercraft and all other motorboats.  The minimum age to operate a motorboat in Nebraska is 14.

The course covers everything from equipment requirements to safe boat operation and accident prevention, and is a great course for both new and experienced boaters. Boat owners who complete the class may qualify for insurance discounts. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children and boaters of all ages are welcome.  Students must be at least 14, or turning 14 this calendar year to be certified. The homestudy with proctored exam option allows students to study online, then attend a shortened review and test session.  That session will be offered April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  There is a $10 fee for this course.  Preregistration is required and there are minimum student requirements for the class to be held.

To register for the class call the NGPC office at (308) 535-8025, or for additional information, contact Boating Safety Officer Eveland at (308) 289-0017 or [email protected]  For information on additional classes in Nebraska, visit www.boatsafenebraska.org.