50 Nebraskaland • June 2025
MIXED BAG
By Julie Geiser
When warm summer weather hits, many people love to be
out in a boat. If that's you, follow these safety tips to keep
everyone on the water safe this summer.
Take a boater safety course — Those born after Dec.
31, 1985, must take this course to learn about navigating
Nebraska waters. Find an in-person or online class at
OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for "boater education."
Check equipment — Before you launch, ensure your
boat, kayak, personal watercraft or other vessel is in good
operating condition. Have a life jacket for every person on
board. A throw cushion, fi re extinguisher and bailing device
also are required on most boats. An engine-cut-off device or
switch also is a good idea. Check the 2025 Boating Guide for
more information.
Tell someone your plans — Before leaving home, let
someone know where you are going and when you expect
to return. Carry a cellphone in a waterproof pouch in case an
emergency occurs.
Wear a life jacket — Life jackets are no good stored away
if an emergency occurs. Children age 12 and under, personal
watercraft users, and those being towed on skis, tubes or
similar devices are required by law to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-
approved personal fl otation device. Life jackets are required
for all paddleboard users, no matter their age.
Be wary of surroundings — According to the U.S. Coast
Guard, operator inattention, improper lookout, operator
inexperience, excessive speed and machinery failure were
the top fi ve primary contributing factors in boating accidents
across the United States. Pay attention to reduce incidents.
Avoid alcohol — Nearly one-third of all recreational
boating fatalities occur when someone is boating under the
infl uence, which is enforced in Nebraska. Always designate
a sober driver.
Watch the weather — Storms can pop up quickly in
Nebraska. Check the weather in advance and monitor it
throughout the day.
Avoid hypothermia — Even though temperatures are
rising, water still can be cold in spring and early summer.
Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold weather or water.
Keep it legal — Make sure you've registered your
boat and, if a nonresident, purchase an Aquatic Invasive
Species Stamp. Anyone operating a motorboat or
personal watercraft in Nebraska must be at least 14 years
of age.
Learn more about Nebraska's boating regulations at
OutdoorNebraska.gov; search "Go boating."
SAFETY TIPS FOR BOATING THIS SUMMER
Boaters hold up the orange safety fl ag while the tubers they are pulling get back on board on Victory Lake at Fremont Lakes
SRA in Dodge County. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
