New York State and the Town of Chester

Navigation Laws and Regulations. Click here to download the Town of Chester Boat Launch Hours of Operation - 2023 Season.

 

All Motorized Vehicles

Must be outfitted with safety equipment required by NYS Law.

  • Serviceable whistle or horn must be on board.

  • Registration numbers and current validation stickers need to be properly displayed.

  • Registrations must be on board.

  • Anyone being towed; e.g. wakeboarders, skiers and tubers, must wear a PFD.

  • Operating an overloaded vessel is both dangerous and illegal.

  • Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both dangerous and illegal.

  • Operation within 500ft. of the Public Swim Area is prohibited unless leaving or returning to a docking area.

  • Vessels can not anchor, moor or recreate on the waters within 100 feet of the shoreline, docks or swim platforms. Exceptions: a vessel that is fishing and for emergency use.

  • Vessel engaging in any towing activity (e.g. water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing) must stay a minimum of 200 feet from any shoreline, dock, swim platform or anchored vessel unless leaving or returning to a launching or docking area.

  • General speed Limit is 45 MPH.

Motorized Boats

  • The speed limit 5 mph when operating 100ft. from the shoreline, docks, and swim platforms and anchored vessels.

  • Must have a US Coast Guard life jacket (PFD) for each person on board.

  • Any operator or passenger less than 12 years of age, must wear a PFD.

  • All towing activities; e.g. wakeboarders, skiers and tubers require a spotter at least 10 years of age.

  • Operator must be at least 10 years age and have met the requirements to obtain a Boating Safety Certificate in accordance to Brianna’s Law. Boating Safety Certificate must be carried on board.

  • Riding on the bow or any area that is not equipped with fixed seating is illegal and dangerous.

  • Navigation lights must be on when operating between sunset and sunrise.

Personal Water Craft

  • The speed limit is 5 mph when operating within 200ft. from the shoreline, docks, swim platforms and anchored vessels.

  • The lake is open to PWC operation from 9:00am to 7:00pm.

  • Operator must be at least 14 years of age and have met the requirements to obtain a Boating Safety Certificate in accordance to Brianna’s Law. Boating Safety Certificate must be carried on board.

  • PWC must be rated for at least three persons (operator, observer and skier/tuber) in order to engage in towing activities. Observer must be 10 years or older. 

  • Operator must wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD (like jacket) with a lanyard engine CUT-OFF attached.

  • All passengers must wear a PFD.

  • Purposely and unnecessary wake jumping of another vessel is prohibited.