Amid the hot, bright days of summer, few activities are more refreshing than a day on the lake. However, with four thousand boating accidents reported in one recent year alone, it’s vital that before you set sail, you take all reasonable steps possible to ensure the safety of everyone on the water.
We recommend the following six steps as a great place to start.
Step 1: Take a boating safety course
In Nebraska, anyone born after December 31, 1985, is required to successfully pass a boater safety course before operating a boat or personal watercraft in the state. However, we recommend that anyone born before that date take the course as well.
Boater safety courses cover helpful topics like:
- How to navigate and safely operate a boat
- How to understand current Nebraska boating laws
- How to prepare for emergencies on the water
Step 2: Get a vessel safety check
Before taking your boat or watercraft out on the lake, you’ll want to ensure that it meets all performance and safety standards. Though these checks are fully voluntary, the U.S. Coast Guard recommends yearly vessel safety checks. That way, you’ll be able to preemptively address any problem areas, avoid unpleasant surprises, and enjoy greater peace of mind when you’re out on the water.
Step 3: Make sure your boating legalities are up to date
When it comes to boating, every state has different legal requirements. Be sure to avoid legal trouble by educating yourself about Nebraska state laws and responding accordingly.
- Licensing
Here in Nebraska, you are not required to hold a boating license. However, as we mentioned above, it’s required that all boaters born after December 31, 1985, successfully complete a boating education course and receive an education card that certifies them to operate a boat in the state. - Tags
Be sure to register your boat in your home county and keep your tags up to date. Fortunately, boats can be registered for three-year periods. - Insurance
While Nebraska state law does not strictly require that you insure your boat, we definitely do not recommend operating an uninsured boat, as the risks can be astronomical if it’s stolen, damaged, or needs significant repairs. If you have questions about this, or if you’re ready to update boat registration or insure a new boat, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!
Step 4: Check the condition of the location
Not too long ago, twelve people were injured in a single lightning strike incident at Lake Murray in South Carolina. Staying apprised of the day’s weather forecast can go a long way toward helping you avoid potential incidents like these!
Also do your research about the location you are going to launch. Is there a strong current in the water? Is it a popular place to boat and would attract a lot of traffic? Are there any potential hazards you should be aware of and avoid?
Step 5: Assess your life jacket situation
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 87% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. Before you head out, double-check that you have enough of the correctly sized life jackets for everyone in your party.
Step 6: Ensure that your boat is stocked with all emergency supplies
As you’re packing your snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and water skis this summer, don’t forget to check the status of the emergency supplies on your boat.
These would include:
- Radios
- Lights
- Rope
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Life preservers
- Flags and other signaling devices
While it’s not always possible to completely avoid emergencies, it’s possible to face them head-on, fully prepared.
It’s also possible that with the right insurance coverage, you will enjoy the benefits of increased protection and greater peace of mind.
Staying Safe This Summer
Here at Northeast Nebraska Insurance, our independent agents are standing by to help you get the best coverage. To learn more about this or anything else, contact us today!