Boating on the Lakes
Local and State Regulations
Town Ordinances:
Motors on Lake Waccabuc are limited to 25 hp.
No motor boat can be operated before 8:30 a.m. or 1⁄2 hour past sunset.
NY State law mandates operating motor boats at 5 mph or less within 100 feet of shore.
For safety and courtesy:
Watersports activity should be kept at the west end of the lake (past the island). Distance swimmers should wear a buoy.
PFDs/Life jackets are required for children under 12 – it’s the law.
Yield the right-of-way to a boat under sail, paddle, or oars. No wake zone out to 100 feet from shore. The three coves are no wake zones, for the most part. Please avoid the channel between the island and the point. Castle Rock and the island are private property.
When two boats approach each other head-on, keep to the right.
Motorboats
Brianna's Law
If you were born on or after May 1, 1996, you will need a boating safety certificate.
Under a new law known as Brianna's Law, all motorboat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1983, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1978, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.
Upcoming Events - New York Safe Boating Cours
New York Boating Safety Course