Indiana Conservation Officers, led by Capt. Jet Quillen, urge Hoosiers to prioritize water safety this summer. Key recommendations include wearing Coast Guard-approved life jackets, designating sober boat operators, and avoiding alcohol near water to prevent accidents and injuries.
Recreational boaters in Michigan's Great Lakes should avoid areas marked by orange flags and buoys indicating commercial fishing nets below the surface. Nets can cover over an acre and cause significant damage if snagged by boats. The DNR provides guidance on avoiding nets and procedures for reporting entanglements via the hotline at 800-292-7800.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reminds boaters to prepare properly before launching and practice patience at boat ramps as summer season approaches. Jeremy Risley, AGFC's Black Bass Program coordinator, emphasizes having safety gear ready and maintaining courteous interactions to ensure safe experiences for all water users.
The U.S. Forest Service lifted a boating closure on the Gallatin River near Big Sky that had restricted access from Upper Deer Creek boat launch to Portal Creek boat launch. A temporary emergency closure will be reinstated when the new Markley Bridge is ready for installation.
Wildlife Forever and Discover Mediaworks are promoting Safe-Boating.com during National Safe Boating Week to encourage boaters to prioritize safety and conservation. The free online clearinghouse, developed through the Getting Families Fishing & Boating program with the U.S. Coast Guard, provides boating safety certification, educational videos, and resources on life jacket use, navigation safety, and invasive species prevention.
Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area will host an informational open house June 6 at the Crofton Haymarket to discuss the Weigand Marina expansion. Park superintendent Jonathan Voelker invites slip holders and the public to learn about the project's operations, logistics, and design.
National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) reminds Nebraskans that safety is essential on the water. Key tips include wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, knowing state boating laws, taking a boating safety course, and avoiding boating under the influence.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognizes National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, emphasizing life jacket requirements and water safety regulations. Coast Guard statistics show 87% of recreational boating fatalities involved drowning victims not wearing life jackets.
Emergency motorized watercraft restrictions on the Indian Lake Chain, including Witmer, Westler, Dallas, Hackenburg, and Missick lakes, have been rescinded as water levels lowered. Normal boating operations may resume.
The emergency order restricting motorized watercraft operation above idle speed on Lake Wawasee has been rescinded as water levels have lowered. Normal boating operations may resume on the lake.
Nebraska Game and Parks urges paddlers to exercise caution on state waters through May, as air temperatures rise but water remains cold and dangerous. The agency provides essential safety tips including paddling with others, wearing Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and being prepared for changing weather conditions.
Emergency motorized watercraft restrictions on the West Lake Chain, including Waldron, Steinbarger, Tamarack, and Jones Lakes, plus Sylvan and Smalley Lakes, have been rescinded as water levels lowered. Normal boating operations may resume.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is opening Lake Elmo in Billings to gasoline motorboats on May 9 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to allow boat owners to test equipment for safety. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary officers will conduct boat safety inspections near the boat ramp.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has implemented an idle speed restriction on motorized watercraft on the Indian Lakes Chain in LaGrange County due to high-water levels that could cause wakes to enter nearby dwelling structures.
Georgia DNR's Coastal Resources Division reopened the James Allen Williamson Park & Boat Ramp at Champney River following a $2.5 million renovation. Improvements include two new double-lane boat ramps, ADA-accessible fishing pier, and expanded parking. Funding came from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, and private donors.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has placed boating restrictions on the Barbee Lakes Chain, Tippecanoe Lake Chain, and Lake Wawasee due to high-water levels. Motorized watercraft are prohibited on the Barbee Lakes Chain, while idle speed restrictions apply to Tippecanoe and James Lakes and Lake Wawasee.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has placed boating restrictions on motorized watercraft on the West Lakes Chain (Waldron, Steinbarger, Tamarack, and Jones lakes) and Smalley Lake in Noble County due to high-water levels, and an idle speed restriction on Sylvan Lake.
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit promoted Jason Berry to Director of Marine Service, where he will oversee all U.S. service operations including call centers, field service, warranty, and training. Berry, a Yamaha team member since 2005, previously served as Customer Experience Division Manager.
The Verdel Wildlife Management Area boat ramp in Knox County has reopened after renovation improvements including a reshaped launch slope, new dock, ADA-compliant accessible route, enhanced lighting, and erosion protection. The project was funded through Sport Fish Restoration grants and hunting and fishing license sales.
Yamaha Marine expands its Blue Life series with a new feature highlighting Untamed Angling, an expedition-based fishing company redefining sustainable tourism in the Amazon through partnerships with indigenous communities. Founded by Rodrigo Salles and Marcelo Perez, Untamed Angling works with 56 villages across eight indigenous ethnic groups, impacting approximately 5,000 people while relying on Yamaha outboards for reliable transportation in remote environments.