Be Courteous on Boat Ramp and in Water

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NGPC news release, 5/19/09:

LINCOLN, Neb. – A little courtesy goes a long way in ensuring a day of boating is fun and safe for everyone. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission suggests boaters be polite and patient on the ramp and in the water.

The following are some boating etiquette reminders from the Commission:

- Have your boat ready before you get to the ramp.

“In order to get a respectful nod from those waiting at the launch ramp, have your boat fully loaded with gear, fenders and lines before you back down the ramp, preferably with a boat driver on board,” Nebraska Boating Law Administrator Herb Angell said.

“Back the boat in, and have the driver pull it out of the way immediately while you park the truck,” he said. “The goal is to leave the ramp and the adjoining dock as quickly as possible. It is the same routine loading your boat. Drop off the vehicle driver at the dock, get in the line of boats waiting to use the ramp, quickly trailer it, and get out ASAP.”

- If possible, practice your trailer-backing technique away from the ramp to ensure you do not waste time and hold up other boaters on the ramp.

- Unload gear from the boat and wipe it down after it is pulled away from the ramp.

- If you are unfamiliar with the ramp, watch a couple other boat launches before you back in. Get a feel for the wind, current and water depth. Back onto the ramp slowly and smoothly. If you need to, stop, set the brake and get out and survey the situation.

- Observe posted no-wake zones. Enter the dock area at a slow speed.

- If you see another boater in distress, come to his aid. Someone may return the favor some day.

- A guest on a boat should offer to pay for the fuel or buy lunch for the boat owner. Offer to help the owner, while on the ramp or in the water, but wait for instructions. When approaching the dock, stay still so the driver can concentrate on docking.

For more information on boating, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/boating or read the 2009 Nebraska Boating Guide.