Rules, Regulations and Guidelines for Safe and Considerate Boating on Loon Lake

• All boats and PWC's must be outfitted with the safety equipment required by New York State Law.
• All motor boats and PWC's must properly registered. (Registrations kept on board)
• Registration numbers and current validation stickers must be properly displayed.
• A U.S.C.G. approved PFD (life jacket) of appropriate size, and in serviceable condition, must be readily available for each passinger on board any boat.
• Any operator or passenger less than 12 years of age must wear their life preserver.
• All water skiers or anyone being towed by a boat or PWC must wear a PFD.
• Water skiing, and other towed activities, require a spotter at least 10 years old.
• The operator, and any passengers, on a PWC must wear their life preserver regardless of age, and the lanyard engine cut-off must be attached to the operator.
• Children under 10 years of age may not operate a motorized vessel unless accompanied by a parent or person over 18, except see special rule for PWC's.
• Children between 10 and 18 years of age may not operate a motorized vessel unless:
  A) they have passed a course and have on board with them their safety certificate, or
  B) they are accompanied by someone over 18. (See special rule for PWC's)
• New York State law requires all PWC (jet ski) operators to have a safe boating certificate. Certificates issued by many other states are accepted, but absolutely no on-line courses qualify.
• A serviceable whistle or horn must be on board every motor boat and every PWC.
• A U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher must be on every boat except outboard boats of open construction with portable gas tanks such as row boats.
• LIghts must be on when boats are operated between sunset and sunrise. (Sunset generally occurs about 30 minutes before dar,.) Water skiing is prohibited during hours when lights are required.
• Except when leaving or returning to a launching or docking area, PWC's cannot be operated:
  A) within 200 feet of the shore, of any raft, dock, vessel or anything or person being towed.
  B) within 500 feet of a designated public swimming area.
• PWC's cannot be operated before 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m.
• The general speed limit on Loon Lake is 45 mph. However the speed limit is 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, a raft, a dock, or an anchored boat.
• Operating a boat or PWC while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also both dangerous and illegal.
• Operating an overloaded boat is both dangerous and illegal.
• Reckless operation, such as wake jumping on a PWC, unsafe speed or water skiin in a congested area, or allowing a passenger to ride on an open bow is prohibited.
• Power boats and PWC's are inherently noisy, especially when operated at higher speeds. Please be considerate of others and do not operate a noisy vessel for extended periods in the same area.