The Basic Laws of the Lake

Posted on by Tori

Though boating is about having fun, there are laws on the waterway just like the road. They’re there for your safety, so it’s important to be aware of and obey them. Below are some of the basic requirements and laws for lakes in Ohio.

Required Equipment

Assorted safety equipment
  • A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jacket for everyone on board
    • Children under 13 years old must wear one at all times on the boat
    • Anyone riding a device towed behind a boat (ex. water sports) must wear one
  • At least one USCG-approved throwable flotation device
  • At least one fire extinguisher
  • A distress flag or USCG-approved signal
  • A whistle, horn, or other sound signaling device
  • Anchor and line
  • Running lights

Plus a few more technicalities; click here to view the all requirements based on boat size.

on the lake

Anyone over the age of 12 can drive a boat (click here for more information); however, you must have completed:
• A boating course approved by NASBLA OR
• A proficiency exam approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft.

Like driving a car, you must obey all of the laws specific to the lake that you visit. For example, no wake zones are a constant, but they are different practically anywhere you boat. Idle speed (the slowest a boat can go while still steering adequately; without a wake) is required:
• In any area marked as “no wake”
• Within 300 feet of a dock

There are also designated areas where you can and cannot ski, tube, etc. It is permitted in ski / open zones (for many lakes like Berlin, everywhere but no wake zones) and at idle speed in no wake zones IF you are:
• not within 300 feet of docks or bridges
• not in an area designated for swimming/anchoring/no skiing
An observer over the age of 10 is required when someone is doing water sports.

It is an important to responsibility to be aware and obey the lake’s buoys, seen to the right. Of these four, the first is likely the most diverse; it can mean:
• no wake zone
• ski / no ski zone
• speed limit

This is certainly not a comprehensive list, but only the basics. Click here to see the Ohio Boat Operators Guide before taking a boat out on the water. It’s important to do your research and be as smart as you can to prevent injuries. Have fun and be safe!

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Published by Tori