Boating safety course to be held in Sidney

A boating safety course will be held at the Western Nebraska Community College campus in Sidney on Thursday, April 7, 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 Dec. 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 requires students to study online, then attend a shortened review and test session. That session will be offered April 7th from 6-9 p.m.

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, or for additional information, contact Boating Safety Officer Eveland at (308) 289-0017 or [email protected]. For information on additional classes in Nebraska, visit http://www.boatsafenebraska.org.