Recreation > Waterfront

Boating

 

Boating on Lake Waramaug presents many opportunities for fun and relaxation, but also poses the biggest threat for the introduction of invasive weeds, as well as potential safety issues.

Washington Boat Launch

Under Connecticut Law, boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and properly remove and dispose of any vegetation before transporting the vessel; violations are subject to fines. To reinforce this law, the launching of boats on Lake Waramaug is restricted, and the Town of Washington passed a boat inspection ordinance.

$25.00 annual sticker fee.

All boats will be inspected for milfoil and subject to a $5.00 per launch inspection fee. Parking limited on a first come, first served basis. Violators will be towed.

You must provide boat and trailer registration, current Driver’s License and Safe Boating Certificate. Parking is limited to eight spaces (including one handicapped space) on a first-come, first-serve basis. Violators will be towed. Boats leaving the lake should be at the launch at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled closing time. Extra fee for late removal is $75.00.

For further information call at 860-868-1519.

The Lake Waramaug Agreement

An agreement between the three towns and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection was signed in September 2004, following near unanimous approvals at town meetings. Major elements of the agreement include:

  • No state boat launch will be built at the Lake.

  • The sole public motorboat access to the Lake will be the Washington Town Ramp.

  • Environmental inspection will be required for all motorboats entering the Lake at the Washington Boat Ramp.

  • Washington Boat Ramp has been reconstructed to improve safety, access and parking.

  • A maximum of 20 non-resident motorboats (13 from campers at the state park and 7 day boaters) will be allowed on the Lake at any one time. Thirteen non-resident motorboats operated by campers actually residing at the State Park Campground for at least two nights may be admitted through the Washington Launch with appropriate documentation from the State Park and upon payment of the required fees. See below.

  • The fee for the Washington Launch season pass is $25.00 plus a boat inspection fee of $5.00 for each entry.

Inspection

The agreement provides that car-top boats (12 HP engine maximum, which can be carried on top of a car or in an van or pickup truck and can be unloaded by not more than two people) can be launched from either the State Park or the Washington Boat Launch after they have been inspected for environmental fitness to enter the Lake. Such inspections are presently performed at the Washington Boat Launch during its scheduled hours (see below). Dowler’s Garage on Route 202 (south of Route 45) can do car-top inspections if the Washington Boat Launch is closed. Operators of car-top boats should always inspect their boats carefully for any plant or animal material from other lakes or rivers before launching, and dispose of any such material AWAY from the lake.

All other motorboats, including jet skis, must be launched from Washington Boat ramp, which incorporates an inspection for dangerous plants or other material with each launch. The ramp is located on Route 45 near the Washington town beach at the southeast corner of the Lake.

Motorboat Speed Restriction

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has adopted the following regulation, effective December 12, 2014, for a portion of the State Park Arm of the Lake:

"No person shall operate a motorboat on Lake Waramaug... in excess of slow-no-wake from May 15 through September 15, inclusive, in the cove adjacent to Lake Waramaug State Park in the area beginning at the northernmost tip of the cove, bounded by the shorelines, and southerly from said northernmost tip for a distance of 1,300 feet."

"Slow-no-wake" generally means that a motorboat shall neither attain a speed in excess of six miles an hour nor produce more than a minimum wake. The area affected by this regulation will be marked by floating buoys. Jet-skis and other motorized personal watercraft are also subject to this restriction.

The safety concern addressed by this regulation (the concentration of various competing users — ranging from swimmers and the operators of canoes and kayaks to motorboats towing water skiers — in this small and narrow congested area) was initially brought to the attention of the DEEP Boating Division by the on-lake enforcement officers of the Lake Waramaug Authority followed, in accordance with statutory procedure, by a request for DEEP remedial action by the Warren Town Meeting. The DEEP, after a lengthy and detailed assessment, conducted a public hearing review and public comment process, and proposed a regulation. After revision in response to public comment, and further review and modification by the Regulation Review Committee of the State Legislature, the above regulation was adopted.

In addition to this specific regulation, Connecticut law generally requires that no person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of "slow-no-wake" within 100 feet of shore, a dock, pier, float or anchored/moored vessel, unless taking off or landing a water skier. For jet-ski personal watercraft, the distance is 200 feet. In other areas a boat must be operated so that it will not endanger others and must be able to stop safely within the clear distance ahead.

Any concerns about water safety should be directed to the Lake Waramaug Authority police boat on patrol or Resident State Trooper Stephen Sordi at 860-868-9671.

Safe Boating

All Boaters must follow Connecticut laws and regulations. Boating information can be found in the Connecticut Boater's Guide which is also available from the Town Clerk. A "Safe Boating Certificate" is required in order to operate a motorized recreational vessel and must be on board at all times during operation. In order to obtain a Safe Boating Certificate, an individual must successfully complete an approved basic boating course or receive a passing grade on an equivalency examination administered by the DEP. Similar requirements exist for operating a Personal Watercraft (i.e. Jetski). Certification and registration information can be found on the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection website.

Connecticut law requires that all boats with motors — regardless of size — and sailboats powered by sail alone, 19 1/2 feet or longer, be registered and numbered before launching. If you purchase a boat that is currently registered, you are responsible for seeing that it is registered in your name. All vessels must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Evidence of ownership must be submitted at the time of registration. Upon receipt of the application and fee, an identification number will be assigned and a certificate of number/registration will be issued along with two validation decals. The registration will be valid until April 30 of the following year. Connecticut vessel numbers stay with the boat as long as it is registered in the state. Normally you will receive a registration renewal from DMV early in the calendar year. If you do not register the boat for a year, you will not receive another renewal notice and you must go to a DMV office to renew your registration.

Please practice safe and courteous boating. Connecticut boating regulations include:

  • Operation of a motorboat at a speed in excess of "slow-no-wake" is illegal within 100 feet of shore, a dock, pier, float, or anchored or moored vessel unless taking off or landing a water-skier. For jet ski personal watercraft, these restrictions apply within a distance of 200 feet. "Slow-no-wake" speed is generally limited to 6 MPH.

  • Operate vessel only at minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage when within 100 feet of a marked swimming area.

  • Ensure you have a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) of the appropriate size for every person on board; and every child under 12 is wearing a PFD.

  • A spotter, who is at least 12 years old, is required when towing waterskiers, tubes, wakeboards, etc.

  • To maximize enjoyment of the Lake for everyone please be aware of swimmers, kayakers, canoers and rowers and try to maintain distance and minimize your wake which may destabilize them.

  • Be aware of swimmers far from shore who may be difficult to see.

  • Minimize noise on the Lake in the early morning and at night.

  • Violators may be fined.