Boating Safety "THINK" "BE COURTEOUS"
Unlawful Practices
- It is unlawful to operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel which is not equipped as required.
- To is unlawful to for any operator to exceed the speed posted or charted in any specific zone or area. Under all other circumstances speed must be reasonable and proper in consideration of the prevailing conditions.
- Speeds exceeding 5 mph are illegal at all times in or within 30 yards of any vessel, harbor, marina, landing pier, fishing pier, anchorage or bathing beach and the hours between sunset and sunrise.
- It is unlawful to wake jump with a motorized vessel within 50 yards of another craft.
- Operating a motorboat with a blood alcohol content of .08% or greater constitutes Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and carries a penalty of up to $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail and the loss of boating privileges for six months. Refusal to submit to a chemical blood alcohol text will result in the same penalties as BUI.
- Nebraska law requires any motorboat operator (including personal watercraft) born after December 31, 1985, complete a Boating Safety Course and be in possession of a course certificate when operating the boat. You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat (including personal watercraft) in Nebraska.
- Each personal watercraft operator must wear a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch if the personal watercraft is equipped by the manufacturer.
Jet Ski Etiquette
Saftey
* Right of way. Sailboats, commercial vessels and fishing vessels always have the right of way. Stay to the right of when approaching an oncoming craft. If you are about to cross paths with another boat, the craft on the right side has the right of way.
* Awareness. Constantly look for traffic on the water around and especially near you. Know where other boats are and where they're heading before you make a turn or cross a wake.
* Wave or Wake Jumping. If your course takes you across the wake of another boat, make sure that boat does not obstruct your visibility.
* Operating speed. Follow local regulations regarding speed limits, whether posted or not. In congested areas, lower your speed.
* Passengers and Guests. Never carry more than the maximum passenger load specified for your craft.
* Maintenance. Check your craft internally and externally before you get on the water. Follow factory maintenance schedule for your watercraft.
* Always wear life vests. This also goes for your passengers.
Etiquette
* Launch ramp etiquette. Be considerate and efficient. Prepare your craft beforehand and perform all safety checks before you get into the water. Launch quickly and quietly.
* Noise. Be considerate of waterfront property owners and others near and on the water. Excessive noise from a poorly maintained or modified exhaust system disturbs others and is illegal in many areas.
* Environments. Don't spill fuel or oil and don't leave litter or other pollutants where they don't belong. Be sensitive to marine life; the water is their home.
* Other water enthusiasts. Personal watercraft riders must share the waterways with other boaters, fisherman, swimmers, surfers, and skiers; respect their rights to safety, access and use of the water.
* Right of way. Sailboats, commercial vessels and fishing vessels always have the right of way. Stay to the right of when approaching an oncoming craft. If you are about to cross paths with another boat, the craft on the right side has the right of way.
* Awareness. Constantly look for traffic on the water around and especially near you. Know where other boats are and where they're heading before you make a turn or cross a wake.
* Wave or Wake Jumping. If your course takes you across the wake of another boat, make sure that boat does not obstruct your visibility.
* Operating speed. Follow local regulations regarding speed limits, whether posted or not. In congested areas, lower your speed.
* Passengers and Guests. Never carry more than the maximum passenger load specified for your craft.
* Maintenance. Check your craft internally and externally before you get on the water. Follow factory maintenance schedule for your watercraft.
* Always wear life vests. This also goes for your passengers.
Etiquette
* Launch ramp etiquette. Be considerate and efficient. Prepare your craft beforehand and perform all safety checks before you get into the water. Launch quickly and quietly.
* Noise. Be considerate of waterfront property owners and others near and on the water. Excessive noise from a poorly maintained or modified exhaust system disturbs others and is illegal in many areas.
* Environments. Don't spill fuel or oil and don't leave litter or other pollutants where they don't belong. Be sensitive to marine life; the water is their home.
* Other water enthusiasts. Personal watercraft riders must share the waterways with other boaters, fisherman, swimmers, surfers, and skiers; respect their rights to safety, access and use of the water.
Lets face it, jet skis are frowned upon among some home owners and many boaters out there. Primarily due to the ignorance and lack of respect riders show there fellow water sport enthusiasts. By following these simple basic guidelines "for starters" we can all enjoy the stress free waters.
Whether solo or with a passenger, jet skis are a great form of summer fun on the water. It's important to operate jet skis safely and to always be considerate of others on or near the water. (Emphasize these guidelines to your guests as well. Remember if you allow guests to use your jet skis you are still responsible. I think many of the complaints are about guest who do not know the lake rules and basic safety guidelines.)
Whether solo or with a passenger, jet skis are a great form of summer fun on the water. It's important to operate jet skis safely and to always be considerate of others on or near the water. (Emphasize these guidelines to your guests as well. Remember if you allow guests to use your jet skis you are still responsible. I think many of the complaints are about guest who do not know the lake rules and basic safety guidelines.)