Leisurely floating on one of Nebraska’s many scenic rivers or streams in an inflated inner tube is a cool, refreshing, relaxing, way to enjoy a hot summer day with family and friends, isn’t it?
Oh, yes!
Summer river tubing is fun, there is nothing like it! However, some recreational tubers on rivers get into trouble and actually end up spoiling their own float trip as well as the reputation of other law-abiding, ethical tubers on rivers! In addition, river tubing often provides the first outdoor experiences for many people on flowing or moving water, thus there are key things for them to note.
So, for those of you planning to float one of Nebraska’s great rivers on inner tubes this summer, here are eight important reminders to help prevent you and your group from encountering any problems.
1. Life Jackets and Whistles. A U.S. Coast Guard-approved, wearable and accessible life jacket is required to be on-board that inner tube (it is technically a vessel) and preferably worn. Kids 12 years of age and under must be wearing their life jackets! Also, state law requires all water vessels to carry a noise-making device such as a referee’s whistle. See our current Nebraska Boating Guide publication for other boating laws and regulations.
Much like a helmet to a cyclist, life jackets are an essential part of boating safety equipment and need to be worn at all times!
2. Landowner Permission. Tubers have the lawful right to float the water of rivers and portage around obstructions without causing damage. On the other hand, tubers and other river floaters must have permission from private landowners to access their properties which include river beds, sand bars, river banks and any adjacent lands. You must have the landowner’s permission to pit stop, picnic, fish or camp. Do your homework, know where you can and cannot go! Appreciate the fact that you are allowed to use the waterway!
3. Know Your Waters. Nebraska water trails info and maps are invaluable references for trip planning. Set up a shuttle and equipment rental, perhaps through an outfitter. Calculate the distance and time on the water. To start, shorter trips are better than longer trips. For canoeing times listed, you need to at least double those for tubing. Beginners should go with more experienced tubers who are familiar with the river, or start with gentler rivers. Consider stops and a lunch break, along with public access points that are open for putting in and taking out.
4. No Glass and Styrofoam. Please do not bring glass containers or Styrofoam cups or coolers to any river water trail. If lost or discarded, they become hazards to boaters and wildlife.
5. Don’t Litter! Littering is against the law, is ugly, upsets landowners, and ruins a resource! Take along a durable trash bag, mesh bag or use a cooler where you can put trash. Have a separate bag or container for recyclables. Secure them to a separate inner tube. Help clean up after those who have not learned how to care for our rivers. Let’s work to keep them litter-free!
6. Alcohol and Tubing Can Be A Dangerous Mix! Alcohol not only contributes to dehydration during the hot summer months, but, it also impacts a tuber’s ability to make sound decisions on moving water with obstacles! It’s always a good idea to have a ‘designated tuber’ in each group who does not drink alcohol and closely monitors the rest for safety. Also, drink lots of water! It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re out in the sun, even if you are just floating along, so be sure to drink one water for every other kind of beverage you ingest.
7. Safety on the Water. Besides the sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, snacks, etc., there are a few other things that you need to know before embarking on your inner tube float trip on a Nebraska river. All river tubers should be able to swim because there is a risk of getting tipped over and separated from your inner tube. Keep in mind that there is no uniform depth in any of our rivers. Expect to find everything from shallow sandbars to drop offs to deep holes. Be weather aware, too! Know the weather forecast for the entire river valley you’re going to float, especially upstream. You never know when weather occurring upstream will affect the water downstream. Wear shoes! Tight fitting “water shoes,” river sandals, Crocs or old gym shoes should be worn while floating as well as walking in and around the river to protect your feet from sharp objects. Avoid long dangling ropes off tubes that can get snagged on various obstructions in the riverbed and cause a safety hazard. Be very careful around bridge pilings. And remember, if you tip over in your inner tube always try to stay away from the downstream side of it. Strong currents have been known to push larger, heavier tubes tied together over top of people and even pin them against obstructions.
8. Steer Clear of the Protected Birds. River users are to avoid violating federal and state laws by keeping a good distance from protected shorebirds that are nesting on sand bars. These at-risk shorebirds are the interior least tern and piping plover.
A river float in an inner tube is a wonderful opportunity to kick back, enjoy nature, soak in the sun, play in the water and have a good time with family and friends. But, planning for a safe river trip begins well before you get on the water and does not end until you return home. By following the reminders and information presented above, you will better understand how to safely, respectfully and comfortably use a river!
Happy floating!
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