LINCOLN, Neb. -- The first summer holiday weekend of the year should remind us all to exercise caution when boating, said Herb Angell, Nebraska Boating Law Administrator.

"Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest boating weekends of the season," Angell said, "and for many boaters its the first outing of the year. We are often confronted with unstable weather during Memorial Day weekend, and boaters need to keep an eye on the weather conditions at all times."

Angell said that a basic rule of boating is to be aware of the forecast and keep informed during times of changing weather patterns. He said if the weather looks threatening, get off the lake and get out of your boat.

In addition to lightning, storms may also produce heavy winds that can cause boats to capsize. Angell said most boating fatalities occur either because of boats capsizing or occupants falling overboard.

Boaters should remember that vessels are prohibited from exceeding speeds of more than five miles per hour whenever they are within 30 yards of any other vessel, harbor, marina, landing pier, fishing pier, anchorage or bathing beach. It is also illegal for personal watercraft to jump the wake of any boat at a distance of less than 50 yards or the wake of any boat that is towing someone.

Boat drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate a boat pulling skiers or tubers. Persons under the age of 18 must have their boating safety certification card with them when they operate a boat, jet ski or other personal watercraft.

Common boating accidents are collisions with another boat or an object in the water, fire or explosion, passengers falling overboard or grounding. Boaters are encouraged to wear life jackets, stay alert and refrain from drinking alcohol while operating any watercraft, Angell said. In addition, boaters are reminded that boat ramps most likely will be heavily used during the holiday weekend and that mutual respect and patience will make the weekend more enjoyable for everyone.

Parents are encouraged to insist that their children wear life jackets when in or near the water, and the law requires children under 13 years of age to wear a life jacket when in a boat. The law also requires that a life jacket be readily accessible for each person in the boat.

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