Always wear a lifejacket

Boats must have one serviceable U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved lifejacket for each person and one throwable flotation device on board. We strongly urge everyone to wear a lifejacket while the boat is underway or when swimming off the vessel. Although state regulations differ, we support the state law that children 12 and younger wear lifejackets at all times. Lifejacket rule: Anyone on board a personal watercraft or participating in tow sports such as waterskiing must wear a lifejacket at all times.

Use your PWC lanyard

On PWC equipped with a lanyard stop switch, the stop switch must function properly and the lanyard must be used properly by the operator.

Tell someone where you are going

Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Be specific. Make sure to tell someone the areas of the lake you will be visiting and which launch ramp you parked your vehicle and trailer.

Maintain a distance from other boats

Boats don’t have brakes and operators need to maintain a safe distance from other boats to avoid collisions.

Report accidents

All boating accidents should be reported to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Dispatch Center. The non-emergency number is 702.293.8998. For emergencies only, please call 800.680.5851. All accidents must be reported within 24 hours.

Use a flag while towing

Remember, if you’re towing someone, a person needs to be the designated observer and continually view the person being towed. Anytime a person being towed is in the water, a bright orange flag should be displayed.

Have a fire extinguisher

Motorboats under 26 feet must carry at least one fire extinguisher. PWC must have a serviceable B-I USCG fire extinguisher on board.

Take a safety course

We recommend taking a boating safety course before you operate a boat in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Nevada law requires anyone born after January 1, 1983 to pass a boating safety course and carry proof with you on Lakes Mead and Mohave. You can find information about classes and an on-line safety course at www.ndow.org.

Register your vessel

All vessels must have a registration number according to the rules and regulations established by the states. Numbers must be displayed properly on the hull and valid registration papers carried on the vessel.

Check weather conditions

Before you leave home and while you are on the water call the National Weather Service’s forecast line at 702.736.8854.