Date: 7/9/08
Contact: Nick Duhe
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3430

NIGHTTIME NAVIGATION A TRICKY STEP FOR BOATERS

Navigating a boat on the water at night is a lot like walking to the kitchen in the dark, you know where it is and how to get there, but you can’t always see the toys and other hazards that have been left on the floor for you to step on as you make your way in the dark.

Lake Mead is constantly changing depending on the amount of water coming and going through the dams that regulate it. “What was open and navigable water one week might now have new reefs that have emerged due to dropping lake levels, so you’ll need to take extra precautions at night,” said Lieutenant David Pfiffner, supervising game warden for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the state’s safe boating agency.

Given that there were two nighttime boating accidents at Lake Mead within the past two weeks, and one of them fatal, Pfiffner said boaters need to become very familiar with the water on which they are operating before they take up nighttime operation. And when they do operate after dark boaters should slow their speed down considerably. “This will also give other boaters a chance to see your navigation lights and make the necessary adjustments,” he said.

Pfiffner, who has patrolled lakes Mead and Mohave for more than 20 years, offered the following tips for nighttime navigation. First and foremost wear your life jacket, in the event something should happen a life jacket might save your life. It will do no good if it is stored below deck.

Always operate at slower speeds and be on sharp lookout for the lights of other vessels. Lights displayed by other vessels will help you determine whether they are operating under power or sail, and the direction in which they are traveling. Make sure your boat’s navigation lights are working properly and are not obstructed by any items.

It’s also a good idea to carry visual an audible distress signals, like flares and a whistle. Know the ‘rules of the road’ and your responsibility when you encounter another vessel. Finally, let someone know where you are going, who you are going with and when you plan on returning. These few simple tips can make the difference between an enjoyable trip to the lake or a nightmare.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.