Minnesota Boating & Watercraft Regulations

Be aware of the rules!

All watercraft operators should familiarize themselves with Minnesota’s laws and rules governing watercraft operation before going to the lake. Boating regulations can be found in the Minnesota Boating Guide, available at sporting goods stores and marinas, as well as county and DNR offices.

Particularly important are the following regulations:

· Personal watercraft must travel at slow - no wake - speed (5 mph or less) within 150 feet of non-motorized boats, shore, docks, swim rafts, swimmers or any moored or anchored boat.

· Personal watercraft operators may not weave through congested watercraft traffic, or jump the wake of another watercraft within 150 feet of the other craft. This includes other personal watercraft.

· Also, as of May 6, 2005, MN law requires a life jacket to be WORN by all children less than 10 years old when aboard any watercraft while underway.

There is plenty of lake out there for everyone! With just a little knowledge and responsibility, we can have a pleasant boating season, free of confrontations, accidents or injuries.