Mandatory Boating Education Classes Set for 14- to 17-Year-Olds

[Scott G.]

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.

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 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Homepage. 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:

Grand Island -- Feb. 19, 21, 6-9 p.m., Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center 3600 N Academy Rd., to register contact Daryl Teter, (308) 754-7829, no registration fee.

Bellevue – Feb. 23, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Bellevue University, The Learning Center Bldg. #4 Room #569, 1000 Galvin Rd. South, to register contact Gerard Forget, (402) 292-3309, $10 registration fee.

Kearney – March 4 and 6, 6-9 p.m., Yanney Park, to register contact Kearney Parks & Rec, (308) 237-4644, no registration fee.

Omaha – March 6, 13 and 20, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., National Safety Council, Greater Omaha Chapter, 11620 M Cir., to register contact Michael Bahr, (402) 689-5715, $10 registration fee.

Sidney – March 9, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Cabela’s, 115 Cabela Dr., to register contact Cabela’s, (308) 254-7889, no registration fee, bring a sack lunch or lunch money.

Sidney – March 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Cabela’s, 115 Cabela Dr., to register contact Cabela’s, (308) 254-7889, no registration fee, bring a sack lunch or lunch money.

North Platte – March 15, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office, 301 East State Farm Rd., to register contact the office, (308) 535-8025, $10 registration fee, bring a sack lunch.

Lincoln – March 15, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Nebraska Game and Parks Commission boating area at Northeast Commercial Complex, 4817 N. 56th St., Suite #1, to register contact Mary Poe, (402) 540-3113, $10 registration fee.

Grand Island – March 18 and 20, 6-9 p.m., Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, 3600 N Academy Rd., to register contact Daryl Teter, (308) 754-7829, no registration fee.

Lincoln -- March 22, 9 a.m. -3 p.m., AAA Building basement meeting room, 2900 O St., to register contact Rose, (402) 450-8217, $5 registration fee, preference to Capitol Beach residents, but open to anyone, lunch provided.

Omaha – March 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Omaha Marine Center, 9610 L St., to register contact Annette Rasmussen, (402) 727-4108, $10 registration fee to be paid day of class, bring a sack lunch or lunch money.

Bellevue – March 22, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Bellevue University, The Learning Center Bldg. #4 Room #569, 1000 Galvin Rd. South, to register contact Bill Smock, (402) 296-2755, $10 registration fee.

Bellevue – March 29, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bellevue University, The Learning Center Bldg. #4 Room #569, 1000 Galvin Rd. South, to register contact, Bill Smock, (402) 296-2755, $10 registration fee.

Auburn – April 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Auburn 4-H Grounds north building, to register contact Bill Krause, (402) 274-3789, $10 registration fee.

Grand Island – April 8 and 10, 6-9 p.m., Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, 3600 N Academy Rd., to register contact Daryl Teter, (308) 754-7829, no registration fee.

Council Bluffs, Iowa – April 8 and 10, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Council Bluffs Fish and Game Club, 531 Commanche St., to register contact Annette Rasmussen, (402) 727-4108, $10 registration fee, to be paid day of class.

Lincoln – April 12, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Nebraska Game and Parks Commission boating area at Northeast Commercial Complex, 4817 N. 56th St. Ste. #1, to register contact Mary Poe, (402) 540-3113, $10 registration fee.

Omaha – April 12, 9-4 p.m., Lincoln Marine in Omaha, 13731 Industrial Rd., to register contact Annette Rasmussen, (402) 727-4108, $10 registration fee, to be paid day of class, please bring a sack lunch or lunch money.

Bellevue – April 12 -- 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Bellevue University, The Learning Center Bldg. #4 Room #569, 1000 Galvin Rd. South, to register contact Larry Wieczorek, (402) 235-2464, $10 registration fee.

Omaha – April 22 and 23, 6-9 p.m., Hats Off Motorsports, 14571 Grover St., to register contact Annette Rasmussen, (402) 727-4108, $10 registration fee, to be paid day of class.

Bellevue – April 26 -- 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Bellevue University, The Learning Center Bldg. #4 Room #569, 1000 Galvin Rd. South, to register contact Larry Wieczorek, (402) 235-2464, $10 registration fee.
Norfolk -- April 27 and April 29, 6-9 p.m., Norfolk Police Department, 202 North 7th St., to register contact Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, (402) 370-3374, no registration fee.

Source - NGPC

[whisker]

Boating education is great for anyone. I wouldn't oppose boating education, (if even only one time) for all people registering watercraft for the first time. The number of "almosts" I've seen on the water is incredible. I would rate the percentage of adult boat operators that "don't have a clue" as pretty high!



Boater # 1:

It's right there in the book man!

Boater # 2:

duh,...What book?

['Eye Finder]

Isn't it fun Whisker when you are meeting a boat, so you try to avoid them and they swerve at you?

[whisker]

Perhaps yellow lines would help? I dunno, I think boating can put anyone in a dangerous situation. Traffic with other boats is a big one. I give them a thumbs up for making it manditory for younger boaters, and making the classes readily available in several places. It certainly wouldn't hurt new boat drivers of any age to attend a class.

['Eye Finder]

I've been driving boats for 22 years with no accidents. I'm glad it's no mandatory for all boaters. I'm sure I would learn things I didn't know, but I wouldn't be happy about being forced to take a class. I do agree with your point on all new boat owners though.

Scott,
Do they cover boat dock etiquette? Things like be ready to unload when you pull onto the ramp. Also, things like don't tarp and clean your boat on the ramp. I ask this seriously because it is truely annoying and has caused arguments on the docks.