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The CLCS is not an enforcement agency. It is our mission to provide
education to promote safety and conservation.
Concerns about speed, noise or safe handling of any motorized
watercraft on the lake should be directed to the Columbia County
Sheriff’s Department at 518-828-3344.
Speed
·
Watercraft
must not exceed 6 mph between 8 PM and 9 AM. (Town Ordinance)
·
All
watercraft must slow down to 5 mph when less than 100 ft from shore,
dock or other vessel, or in ‘no wake’ zones. (NYS Law)
Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
·
PFDs must
be worn by all children under the age of 12 while in a
watercraft. (NYS Law)
·
PFDs are
required for each person on board a watercraft. (NYS Law)
Water Skiing
·
Water
skiers must have a ‘look out’ over the age of 9. (NYS Law)
Boating While Impaired
·
Boating
while impaired or intoxicated is subject to fines or imprisonment.
(NYS Law)
Safety equipment
·
A fire
extinguisher, distress signal and anchor are required on all
motorized watercraft.
Noise
·
All
watercraft must have effective mufflers. (Town Ordinance).
·
Watercraft
noise should not exceed 75 decibels. (NYS Law)
Right of Way
·
Motorized
watercraft must yield to swimmers and non-motorized watercraft. (NYS
Law)
Age
·
Motorized
boat operators must be between the ages of 10 and 18 ONLY under
direct supervision of someone over the age of 18, or after
successfully completing an approved boating safety course. The
required boating safety certificate must be carried by the minor
while operating the boat. (NYS Law)
Personal watercraft (NYS Law)
·
All operators, regardless of age, must have successfully completed
an approved boating safety course, and carry the required
certificate with them while operating a PWC. The minimum age for
operating a PWC is 14. Go to
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/recreation/boating/safety-courses.aspx?cnty=Columbia&sort=1
for more information and to find a course close to you.
·
Operators
must wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD)
·
The
operator must be attached with a cut-off device
·
Personal
watercraft may not be operated within 500 feet of a designated
swimming area.
·
Personal
watercraft can only be operated between sunrise and sundown.
·
Reckless
operation, including wake jumping, weaving through traffic, or other
maneuvers that jeopardize safety, are prohibited.
Registration
·
All
motorized watercraft must be registered and display the registration
numbers. (NYS LAW)
Environment
·
Help keep
unwanted aquatic plants and zebra mussels out of the lake.
Thoroughly wash your boat and flush the cooling system away from the
shoreline.
·
Avoid
spilling gasoline or oil. Repair leaks immediately.
·
Dispose of
litter properly in bins on shore.
·
Do not use
soaps or cleansers in or near the lake.
The above is only a partial listing of NYS laws and regulations. A
booklet entitled "New York State Recreational Boater's Guide" is
available on line at
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/recreation/boating/safety-courses.aspx?cnty=Columbia&sort=1
or by calling 518 474-0445. |
