Water Safety & Etiquette FAQ’s

Did you know?

Minnesota Boating Laws & Etiquette Tips 

  1. Can I drink while operating a boat?
    • While you can enjoy a drink on the boat, it’s illegal to operate the boat under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. Stay safe and stay sober—alcohol is a leading cause of boating fatalities. Designate a sober driver to ensure everyone’s safety. 
  2. Minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC):
    • In Minnesota, no one under 13 is allowed to operate a personal watercraft, except in emergencies.
      • For those ages 13-17 a watercraft operator’s permit or adult supervision is needed.   
  3. Life jackets are a must:
    • When you are on a jet ski, you must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It is also required for anyone being towed behind a boat. You must have on or have on board an approved life jacket on watercraft, including paddle boards. Make sure children under 10 always have their life jackets on. 
  4. Boating etiquette:
    • Be courteous: Keep noise levels down and respect other boaters. 
    • Stay away from shore: Keep at least 200 feet away from shorelines, docks, swimmers, and other watercraft to reduce wake. 
    • Minimize passes: Avoid repetitive passes in the same area, especially with jet skis. 
    • Follow the no-wake rule near shorelines, docks, and other vessels. No-wake speed is 5 mph or slower to minimize disruption. 
  5. Do I need a license to drive a boat?
    • If you’re 18 or older, you can operate a boat or personal watercraft without restrictions. However, if you’re between 13-17, you can operate motorboats under 25 horsepower. For boats over 25 horsepower, you’ll need either a Watercraft Operator’s Permit or an adult (age 21+) on board to supervise. 
  6. Jet ski rules for teens (ages 14-17):
    • You can drive a jet ski if you’re supervised by someone 21 or older, or you’ve earned your Watercraft Operator’s Permit. 
  7. Towing rules:
    • If you’re towing someone on skis or a tube, you need either a spotter on board to keep watch or wide-angle rearview mirrors to ensure safety. Always wear your safety lanyard attached to the ignition when operating. 
  8. Hours for water activities:
    • You can water ski or operate a jet ski only between 9:30 AM and 1 hour before sunset. Nighttime operation is prohibited. 
  9. The no-wake rule:
    • Always reduce your speed to 5 mph or less within 150 feet of shorelines, docks, swim areas, or other watercraft. This prevents large waves and helps protect the environment. 
  10. Boat registration:
    • Most watercraft in Minnesota need to be registered, including motorboats, paddleboards (over 10 feet long), canoes, kayaks, and even inflatable craft. 
  11. Safety gear on board:
    • Every boat must have enough life preservers for all passengers, an anchor, oars or a pole (at least 12 feet long with a hook on one end), and a fire extinguisher. 
  12. New boater safety education law (effective 2025):
    • Starting July 1, 2025, a phased-in approach will require all boaters born after certain dates to complete a boater education course and obtain a Watercraft Operator’s Permit before operating any motorized watercraft. 
  13. Check local rules: Always check for local ordinances, restrictions, closures, and permit requirements before heading out on the water. 

Recreational boaters have a code of accepted behavior on and around the water. The following links give additional guidance on what is acceptable behavior on our lake.