LAKE SHANNON BOATING MAP
IMPORTANT! Boating Rules and Courtesies
If you are new to the Lake, or a new boat owner, please take a moment to review the map below and familiarize yourself with the safe and acceptable boat traffic patterns. If you have questions about boating etiquette, please don't hesitate to reach out to an LSA Board member for more information.
lake_shannon_map_update_february_2024.pdf | |
File Size: | 370 kb |
File Type: |
Michigan Boating Regulations
The following are excerpts from the Michigan Boating Safety Handbook. For more complete information click on the link below.
|
|
Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft
It's the Law Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Those less than 14 years of age may not legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
Those 14 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate and… He or she is accompanied on board by his or her parent or legal guardian or by a person at least 21 years of age who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian or… He or she is operating or riding the PWC at a distance of not more than 100 feet from his or her parent or legal guardian or from a person at least 21 years of age who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian. Those at least 16 years of age and born after December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Those born on or before December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.
Requirements Specific to PWC
Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved wearable Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (PFD). Inflatable PFDs may not be used. See Personal Flotation Devices for PFDs age restrictions.
You may not allow a child under 7 years of age to ride on or be towed behind a PWC unless with a parent or guardian or a designee of the parent or guardian. The lanyard of a PWC's engine cut-off switch must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
It is illegal to operate a PWC during the period that begins at sunset and ends at 8:00 a.m. “Sunset” means that time determined by the National Weather Service. PWC must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times.
It is illegal to:
Jump the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to the other vessel.
Weave your PWC through congested traffic.
Swerve at the last possible moment to avoid collision.
A PWC must be operated at “slow, no wake speed” if crossing within 150 feet behind another vessel unless the other vessel is also a PWC.
You may not operate a PWC within 200 feet of a Great Lakes shoreline unless traveling at “slow, no wake speed” perpendicular to the shoreline. You may not operate a PWC in waters less than two feet deep unless you are operating at “slow, no wake speed” or are docking or launching your PWC. It is illegal to harass wildlife or disturb aquatic vegetation with your PWC.
Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
No one under the age of 14 years may operate a PWC legally.
Those less than 14 years of age may not legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
Those 14 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate and… He or she is accompanied on board by his or her parent or legal guardian or by a person at least 21 years of age who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian or… He or she is operating or riding the PWC at a distance of not more than 100 feet from his or her parent or legal guardian or from a person at least 21 years of age who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian.
Those at least 16 years of age and born after December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Those born on or before December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.
In addition:
1. Make sure that anyone you allow to operate your PWC meets the minimum age and education requirements for PWC operation in Michigan and the local waterway you are using.
2. Show new operators how to start and reboard the PWC while on shore or in shallow water.
3. Explain how to steer and control the PWC. Tell all new operators and remind experienced operators that power is required for steering control!
4. Make sure that the operator understands how to use the ignition safety switch and attaches the lanyard to his or her person or PFD before starting the engine.
5. Have anyone new to PWCs go out in an uncongested area first. Tell them to stay well clear of other PWCs, boats, or persons in the water.
6. Explain how to recognize a "slow, no wake speed" marker and what to do when approaching one.
Courtesy When Encountering Other Vessels
Jumping the wake of a passing boat, or riding too close to another PWC or boat, creates risks and is restricted or even prohibited in some states. The vessel making the wake may block the PWC operator's view of oncoming traffic and also conceal the PWC operator from approaching vessels.
Excessive noise from PWCs often makes them unwelcome with other vessel operators and people on shore. Be a courteous PWC operator.
1. Vary your operating area, and do not keep repeating the same maneuver.
2. Avoid congregating with other PWC operators near shore, which increases annoying noise levels.
3. Avoid making excessive noise near residential and camping areas, particularly early in the morning.
4. Avoid maneuvers that cause the engine exhaust to lift out of the water because that increases noise levels.
5. Do not modify your engine exhaust system if it increases the noise. Improperly modified exhausts will not make your PWC faster and may raise the noise to an illegal level.
Environmental Considerations
When operating your personal watercraft, consider the effect you may have on the environment:
1. Make sure that the water you operate in is at least 30 inches deep. Riding in shallow water can cause bottom sediments or aquatic vegetation to be sucked into the pump, damaging your PWC and the environment.
2. Avoid causing erosion by operating at slow speed and by not creating a wake when operating near shore or in narrow streams or rivers.
3. Do not dock or beach your PWC in reeds and grasses. This could damage fragile environments.
4. Take extra care when fueling your PWC in or near the water. Oil and gasoline spills are very detrimental to the aquatic environment. Fuel on land if possible.
5. Never use your PWC to disturb, chase, or harass wildlife