CLA Presents:
Be A Courteous Boater

CLA Presents:
Be A Courteous Boater

Be A Courteous Boater – Top 10 Rules to Respectful Boating

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1. Respect the ramp:

Good boating etiquette starts before you enter the water – at the ramp. Prepare your boat and equipment before getting into position to launch. Anything else is disrespectful to fellow boaters.

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2. Own your wake:

The fastest way to make the wrong kinds of waves is to literally throw a big, obtrusive wave at another boat, swimmer, angler or shoreline owner. This is much more than being a nuisance or disrupting others’ experience on the water. It’s dangerous to those unable to tolerate a large wake.

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3. Keep the tunes in check:

Sound is amplified over the water, so keep the music at a decent level. Not only is it a disturbance to others but the operator may not hear the spotter.

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4. Carry in. Carry out:

Seems like common sense, right? Yet our shorelines and islands are still lined with trash being thrown overboard. Take care of Candlewood Lake and properly dispose of any trash you have. Do not throw it overboard! Stow your stuff securely and pick it up if something flies off.

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5. Slow your roll:

No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of Slow-No-Wake within 100 feet of shore, or a dock, designated swim area, float or anchored or moored vessel, unless taking off or landing a water-skier (200 feet is required for PWC operators). You are responsible for any damage you cause to other people’s property. The daytime speed limit on the lake is 45 mph and nighttime is 25 mph. It’s your responsibility to know the speed limits and respect them.

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6. Rules of the road:

Become familiar with waterway markers and navigation rules like right of ways, which dictate how you operate your vessel in order to prevent collision. When two motorboats/PWC approach, the vessel on the right has the right of way. Know the rules to operate a boat on the lake…learn more here.

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7. Keep your distance:

PWCs should not cross close behind a boat to jump boat wakes…stay at least 100 feet away from vessels when crossing a wake.

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8. Be prepared:

If you are the captain, you need to be prepared with the safety rules for your craft and make your guests aware as well. Know the boating laws in Connecticut and for Candlewood Lake. Have enough life jackets for each person onboard. Beyond that, make sure to have the appropriate fit.

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9. Anchoring and mooring:

Enter a mooring area at a slow speed. Don’t create a wake that will disrupt other anchored boats. Give yourself plenty of space from other boats.

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10. Be polite – give a wave:

When passing another boat, give a little wave hello. Boating is all about having fun and being part of the boating community. Embrace it, enjoy it, and share it for generations to come.

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