Nebraska Boating Safety Tips

Nebraska Boating Safety Tips

Nebraska Boating Safety Tips (a general overview of commonsense boating safety)

Boating in Nebraska is a great way to get out into the outdoors and enjoy time with family and friends. But, boating can also be dangerous and tragic, if certain safety precautions are not followed on your boating ventures. Boaters in Nebraska should, first and foremost, be familiar with safety standards mandated by the federal and state government. For example, the minimum operator age for boaters in Nebraska is 14 years. A variety of other rules and regulations supplement boating laws pertaining to operators who are minors. Another important regulated safety standard in Nebraska pertains to anchoring boats. In Nebraska, all vessels while at anchor must display a 360 degree white light in designated anchor areas. It’s important for boaters to check state and federal laws that regulate boating in order to stay safe and stay legal, but using commonsense and following a few basic tips can make the difference between a boating adventure that goes as planned or one that goes terribly awry.

Using commonsense is extremely important when boating. In Nebraska, it’s imperative for boaters to be weather-wise. The weather in Nebraska differs substantially from the Western end of the state to the Eastern end of the state. Check the weather before heading out on the water and bring along a portable radio just in case some unexpected weather conditions arise. Know what to expect in terms of storms or weather conditions that could make boating hazardous.

While boating in Nebraska waters, be sure to think ahead and be sure to bring along extra gear that you might need in the event of an emergency or breakdown. For example, always carry a flashlight and extra batteries with you and have a map of where you’re located.

An obvious, but often overlooked safety-related item to always include on board is suntan lotion. Another tip to remember is to take along a pair of sunglasses on your journey. A blistering sunburn is not the sort of souvenir one wants to take home following a day at "sea". The reflective nature of water can speed up a sunburn. Follow this safety tip and apply liberally for a fun day that doesn’t burn for weeks after.

Of course, every boat should have a first aid kit somewhere on board. Safe boating requires safety tools and a first aid kit is an absolute necessity for coping with the unexpected.

Lastly, before you head out to one of Nebraska’s beautiful lakes, always tell someone where you’re going. Check your boat, the engine and fuel supply and boat balance. Check any boating equipment as well.

By following these simple safety tips, you can save yourself and your boating companions a lot of trouble. Safe boating is boating that will be remembered fondly for many years to come.

Valley Marine has information about Lakes Rivers and Places to Boat in Western Nebraska. Also, we have tips for purchasing a new boat in Nebraska. If you're looking for used boats for sale in Lincoln Nebraska, or used boats for sale in Omaha Nebraska then you have come to the right place. Valley Marine answers the question of where to buy a boat in Nebraska.