10 | Boating Safety Info: 402-471-5462
Safety
DIVER'S FLAG
The diver's flag must be displayed in Nebraska whenever diving or
underwater -powered spearfishing to give fair warning to boaters of a diver
in the area. Also:
• Scuba divers are reminded to display the diver's flag and stay within 150
feet of their flag.
• Divers may not dive within 200 feet of the outer limits of any designated swimming
area, boat mooring, docking or launching area.
• Boaters must maintain a distance of 150 feet from a diver's flag, except law
enforcement boats, rescue boats and boats engaged in the diving operations.
ORANGE FLAG
Whenever a water skier/tuber, surfboarder or any person engaged in a
similar activity or associated equipment, is down in the water, the operator
or observer of the tow boat must display a hunter orange flag of a size not
less than 12 inches square or at least 144 square inches. This flag must
be visible from 360 degrees. It is unlawful to display an orange flag when
persons or equipment are not in the water.
BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
It is unlawful to operate a motorboat in Nebraska with a blood alcohol content of .08%
or greater. Doing so constitutes Boating Under the Influence, which 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 test will result in the same
penalties as BUI.
REPORTING ACCIDENTS
• It shall be the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident or
other casualty to give his name, address and the identification of his vessel in
writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged.
• The operator of every vessel involved in a boating accident is required to file a
written report whenever a boating accident results in loss of life, disappearance
of a person, loss of consciousness, medical treatment, disability for more than
24 hours, or property damage in excess of $500. Reports in death, disappearance
and injury cases must be made within 48 hours; reports of other cases are
required within five days. Written reports shall be submitted to the Game and
Parks. Report forms may be downloaded at BoatSafeNebraska.org.
