Lake Education: Boating Rules & Regs
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Meaning of Lake Marker Symbols

• Hazard Area, Shallow Area, Rocks = White marker with orange identifications.
  
  
• Headway Speed Only = White marker with orange identifications. Headway speed is defined as the minimum speed required to maintain navigation – NO WAKE.
  
  
• Black & White Vertical Stripe = Boats should not pass between marker and nearest shore/land.

Maine Boating Rules and Regulations

Motor Boats

• Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore, rafts, other boats or swimmers.
  
  
• Must be 12 years or older to operate a boat with more than 10 hp, unless supervised by someone at least 16 years of age.
  
  
• Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.

Personal Watercraft
(Jet Ski or similar type)

• Must be 16 years or older to operate.
  
  
• Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore and from specially marked buoy areas.
  
  
• No operation between sunset and sunrise.
  
  
• Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.

Lake environments are very fragile. For their protection and yours, please keep in mind these basic rules:

• Before launching your boat, please make sure that it has been washed clean of any possible plant material that could endanger the lake.
  
  
• Be careful of spills when refueling or mixing gas.
  
  
• Keep a container aboard your watercraft for trash and take it with you when you leave.
  
  
• Always use headway speed only in channels or as otherwise indicated by markers.
  
  
• Use the toilet facilities provided at the public boat launch ramp or the public beach at the foot of the lake.
  
  
• Be aware of water skiers and tubers who may cross your path when boating.
  
  
• Remember to turn on your anchor and navigating lights at dusk.
  
  
• Please respect the rights and privacy of waterfront property owners by not abusing their property.
  
  
• Keep a safe distance (100 feet) away from wildlife such as loons and their chicks to prevent injury.