It is welcomed news for any boat owners that Lake Mead has announced its partial reopening for boating. Not surprisingly, like other re-openings in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Lake Mead is opening both slowly and in phases. In the first phase of Lake Mead’s re-opening, only Annual Passholders may use the lake for boating and recreational venues. Park Rangers are enforcing social distancing rules to ensure everyone’s safety.
Expect Crowds
Due to the accessibility of several lakes and rivers within a short distance of Las Vegas, boating is a popular pastime for those who work, live, or play in the city. The closest bodies of water are Lake Mead and Mojave. Lake Havasu and Lake Powell are only a half a day’s drive from Las Vegas. The Colorado River basin is also near the city and has boat access near Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona. With the warmer months upon us, and re-opening of cities across the nation after Coronavirus, expect to see crowds of visitors at the lakes as Americans return to outdoor activities.
If you are planning and going out, below are a few suggestions to help make your boating excursion safe for you and your loved ones:
- Personal flotation devices: Personal flotation devices (PFD) are a critical piece of safety equipment that must be on every boat. Be sure to have enough PFD for all boat passengers, that they are in good working condition, and that the fit is appropriate;
- Fire extinguishers: It is important to know that these can lose their charge in the cold season so be sure to charge the extinguisher in the boat before going out on the water;
- Boat registration: Be sure to have a current decal on your boat before heading out on the water, as all boat registrations expire on December 31 of the year;
- Charge electronics and batteries: Make sure all batteries are charged and hold their charge. Likewise, electronics can fail during the cold months or even as a result of lack of use, so make sure they are still good;
- Light check: Navigation lights can have issues due to weather or simply because of the passage of time. Be sure navigation lights are in good working order and examine any exposed wiring as well as cracks and wear;
- Inspect before leaving: Turn on the boat before leaving the driveway, walk around the hull to ensure no damage or cracks, make sure you have the plug for the boat, check the winch and other equipment, and grease the trailer wheel bearings;
- Other equipment: Water skis, tubes, jet skis, and other equipment should be checked for damage and wear to ensure they work properly and are ready to go.
- Gas up: It is good practice to replace the gas from the prior year in your boat and also make sure the boat’s fuel lines are properly connected and are not showing cracks or damage.
Our Attorneys can Help
If someone is injured in a Nevada boating accident, the victim has similar rights as someone who is hurt in a car accident. The experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Matt Pfau Law Group are familiar with boating laws and will fight for the best resolution to your case. Contact our office for an initial consultation with one of our attorneys.
