Lake Zoar Boating Facts

To reach LZA Marine Patrol, call the CT State Police Troop A Southbury Dispatch at (203) 267-2200, or use VHF Radio Channel 16. BOATING EMERGENCIES CALL 911.

To legally operate any boat with a motor or a sailboat 19½ feet in length or longer, the following persons must obtain a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC):

-Residents of Connecticut

-Owners of real property in Connecticut

-Anyone using Connecticut waters more than 60 days in a year.

To legally operate a personal watercraft on Connecticut waters, regardless of state residency all persons must possess a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO).

As per State laws, boats must travel at slow/no wake speeds when within 100 feet of shore, PWC’s must follow that within 200 feet of shore.

Boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and aquatic nuisance species and properly remove and dispose of all vegetation and nuisance species before transporting the vessel. You can be fined $95 per violation(CGA 15-180) and Public Act 12-167. Some invasive species have been found in CT, so you must inspect before and after launching in Lake Zoar. Read More https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/General-Information/Aquatic-Invasive-Species

Lake Zoar has a daytime speed limit of 45mph (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset) and a nighttime speed limit of 25mph, which is enforced by radar by the LZA Marine Patrol.

Marker buoys around the lake signal underwater hazards.  Not all hazards are marked and hazard buoys can be moved out of position by high waters and boaters.  These buoys are merely an aid and should not replace caution, common sense, a good map and depth finder.

It is the responsibility of the boater to ensure you are complying with all CT boating regulations when on the Lake.  Boats may be subjected to vessel safety inspections by LZA Marine Patrol or CT DEEP EnCon Police while entering or on the water.

Lake Zoar is regularly patrolled by the Lake Zoar Authority Marine Patrol. The DEEP EnCon Police also provide enforcement support, and can be reached at 860-424-3333. Boaters on Lake Zoar must follow all State and local boating regulations.

Special Information Regarding Wakes:

A watercraft pushes water out of its path in order to move, creating an unnatural wave of water known as a wake. With increasing speeds, the wake becomes more forceful and the risk of danger to the operator and surrounding vessels, people, and property significantly increases. Large wakes, even those from small personal watercraft such as jet-ski, can cause a boating accident, distress to swimmers, damage to docks, and shoreline erosion. Boater must remember that Connecticut law, under Title 15 Navigation and Aeronautics, section 15-121-B14, prohibits speeds above 6MPH within 100 feet of shore, dock or a pier, float, or anchored or moored vessel, unless taking off or landing a water-skier. Boaters are responsible for damage caused by their wake, and speeding infractions can result in an $80 fine. Offenses involving serious damage or injury carry charges of reckless or negligent operation, which can result in a $1,000 fine, imprisonment up to six months, or both. Boaters must follow posted speed limits to prevent accidents and maintain enjoyable use of the lake for everyone. Marine Patrol enforces speed limits, receives complaints from boaters and residents, and reports sightings of violations and issued infractions to the LZA.

Please visit the CT DEEP’s web library to read the most recent copy of the Connecticut Boater’s Rules and Resources Guide: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Connecticut-Boaters-Guide Title 15 Navigation and Aeronautics Law is available here: https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Browse/getDocument?guid=%7BC0033062-0000-CF6F-A467-07E12675FFE9%7D

Top 10 rules to respectful boating – make the right kind of waves

(Courtesy of MN Department of Natural Resources, 2022)

Boating etiquette is about safe behavior, as well as what’s socially accepted. Here are some of the basics to help you navigate the boating world with ease while not creating a stir among fellow users of the water.

Remember, these are guidelines and should not serve as a replacement for learning the rules, regulations and laws for your local body of water.

1. Respect the ramp. Good boating etiquette starts before you enter the water – at the dock. Prepare your boat and equipment before getting into position to launch. Anything else is disrespectful to fellow boaters.
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. Stay at least 200 feet from the shoreline and other boaters.
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.
4. Pack in. Pack out. Seems like common sense, right? Yet shorelines are still lined with trash being thrown overboard. Take care of the body of water you love and dispose of any trash you have. Do not throw it overboard!
5. Slow your roll. Does the body of water you’re on have a speed limit or slow-no-wake restriction? It’s your responsibility to know it and respect it. You are responsible for any damage you cause to other people’s property.
6. Rules of the road. Become familiar with waterway markers and navigation rules, which dictate how you operate your vessel in order to prevent collision.
7. 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 state and local laws for the body of water you’re on. Set a good example by always wearing a life jacket and have enough life jackets for each person onboard. Beyond that, make sure to have the appropriate fit.
8. Fuel and go. At the fuel dock, get fuel, pay your bill and move out of the way. If you need to buy additional supplies, relocate your boat. Don’t forget to run your blower before starting.
9. Anchoring and mooring. Enter an anchorage or mooring area at a slow speed. Don’t create a wake that will disrupt other anchored boats. The first boat sets the tone. Mimic how they tie off, how much line you use and how much distance you allow between you and other boats. The busier the boat, the more space you should give yourself.
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.