Water Safety

Boat Water Safety

One PFD (personal flotation device) for each person in the boat.
Children less than 10 years old must wear PFD’s at all times.
Boats 16 feet and longer must have a Coast Guard approved throwable device.
Navigation lights must be on from sunset to sunrise.
All boats of 26 feet or less with enclosed fuel tanks must have a size B-1 fire extinguisher on board.
All boats 16-26 feet must have a horn or whistle for warning.
Boating while intoxicated (BWI) caries the same penalties and statues as a motor vehicle.

All riders of PWC’s must wear a PFD.
Hours of operation are 9:30am to one hour before sunset.
PWC’s must be at wake speed (5 mph or less) if within 150 feet of shore, docks, swimming rafts, anchored boats, or non-motorized boats.
Persons younger than 13 years old may not operate a PWC.
Persons 13-years old must have an adult of 21 years or older on board.
Persons 14-17 years old must have a watercraft permit or an adult of 21 years or older on board.

For more information and all boating rules, go to www.mndnr.gov/boating.