If you love being on the water, there are a few safety rules you should know and understand. Much like driving a car, there are rules pertaining to speed, where you can go and what you can do in certain areas while you have your boat on the water. These water safety rules make the lake, and other bodies of water, a safe, fun place for everyone.

Key Water Safety Rules Everyone Should Know

In order to ensure a safe experience on the water, here are some safety rules you should always be aware of and follow:

• Don’t Drink While You’re Operating the Boat
• Always Carry Plenty of Flotation Devices and Life Jackets
• Carbon Monoxide Can Be Dangerous
• Know the Rules, Know the Boat
• Know What to Do If an Accident Happens

Understanding what to do if an accident happens or if someone falls overboard can save lives. A few of the most important things you should do include:

• Immediately turn off the boat
• Call 9-1-1
• Try to get everyone back in the boat or on shore
• Stay calm
• Alert other boaters

Every scenario is different. Assess the situation and act accordingly. Notifying the authorities after an accident is always a priority, especially if there are injuries or property damage.

If an accident occurs, it’s essential that you contact the authorities. You should also call your attorney and let them know exactly what happened. For new and seasoned boaters alike, a water safety course is beneficial to help you thoroughly understand various boating hazards and how to prevent them or react in an emergency.

Here are some helpful resources to help you exercise water safety:

• To learn more about boating safety and some best practices for boat operation, click here.
• Get your Nevada Boater Education Card by taking the Nevada Boater Exam online.
• To help you pass your Boater Exam, here’s a simple study guide.
• Get your boat summer ready by checking that you have all supplies you need, and everything is running smoothly.
• You can also earn your Boater Education Card by taking the Nevada Boating Safety Course.

Once you receive your boating safety certification and thoroughly understand water safety rules, you’ll be able to operate your watercraft safely and confidently. Boating Lake Mead offers dozens of boats to accommodate any group size. Check out our inventory of new and used boats to find the one that’s right for you, or contact us for more information.