Lincoln, NE – Boaters should be aware of a new legal requirement that became effective Jan. 1, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Persons born after Dec. 31, 1985, who operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska must have successfully completed the Nebraska boating safety course. They also must be in possession of a course certificate when operating the boat.

Boating season may be months away, but now is the time to makes plans for taking a boater safety course. A list of boating safety classes is available at OutdoorNebraska.org/boating. The list includes six-hour classroom courses and three-hour home study review and test courses. More classes will be added to the list during the year.