Most parents wouldn't think twice about telling their kids "are you nuts, you're too young to drive the car," but all too often they will allow them to get behind the wheel of a boat or personal water craft (PWC).

Nevada law requires that you be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC and that everyone born on or after Jan.1, 1983 must show proof they successfully completed a Coast Guard approved boating safety course in order to operate a boat or PWC.

It's an easy trap parents fall into, it starts off innocently enough with "Dad can I go for a short ride on the Jet Ski?" or my personal favorite, "C'mon there's nobody else around what could it hurt?"

How you answer those pleas could cost you financially, require you to appear in juvenile court with your child, or worse. But, the headache and other troubles can be avoided with a little education.

"Our main objective is to make Nevada's waters safer for everyone, and I feel we can accomplish that through education," said Officer Karen Welden a Nevada Department of Wildlife game warden.

Completing a boating safety course is a great way to educate yourself and your family before getting on the water.

A typical course covers topics that include general information concerning vessels and their maintenance, information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable, tips on how to be a more courteous vessel operator and most importantly the laws and regulations.

There are a several options that make it easy to get this helpful education, you can pick up a copy of Boat Nevada, a home study course and take the test in the back of the book.

Boat Nevada books can be found at both the Las Vegas and the Henderson Department of Wildlife offices.

If you feel more comfortable in a classroom setting, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Las Vegas Sail & Power Squadron both offer courses throughout the year. You can even take a boating safety course on-line at www.boatnevada.org.

However you choose to complete your education is up to you, but getting the education is the first step toward making the water safer and more enjoyable for everyone.