Introducing Lake It Easy
Safe Boating Guidelines For Our Small Lake
There’s no place better than Lake Waramaug. But our lake’s small size and unique shape make it a place that requires extra care from all of us. That’s why the Lake Waramaug Association is asking for everyone’s help to “Lake It Easy” and keep the lake safe while you’re on the water this summer.
Boat Safe
In addition to following all boating laws required by the State of CT, on Waramaug remember:
Avoid areas that seem crowded - give people more space than you think they need
Recreational boats are heavy and can't make sudden stops - when in doubt, slow down or shut it down
20-25 mph is the max manufacturer-recommended safe tubing speed
For Wake Boaters:
Please operate your boat in the deepest middle parts of the lake when your ballasts are engaged
Large wakes can be hazardous to swimmers, paddlers, and docks - give everyone and everything extra space
Empty ballasts when not in active use
Operating your boat with full or partially full ballasts pitches the angle of the turbulence created by the propeller downward and may impact the shoreline, water quality, and aquatic life
Paddle Smart
Paddlers always have the right of way over powered vessels
During peak water activity times, consider paddling closer to shore
Swim Aware
Always swim with a buoy (and a buddy or spotter) in open water
During peak water activity times, consider swimming closer to shore
CT Boating Laws & Regulations Reminders:
Every vessel must, under crowded conditions or in reduced visibility, slow down and operate with careful regard for existing circumstances and conditions
Boats may not exceed Slow-No-Wake speed within 100 feet of shore
Effective October 1, 2015*, in order to operate a vessel engaged in tubing, waterskiing, wakesurfing, or wakeboarding you must
Be at least 16 years of age
Hold a valid boating certificate issued by CT, MA, NH, NY or RI or U.S. Coast Guard issued vessel operators license
Have a CT Safe Waterskiing Endorsement issued by DEEP
Have a spotter on the boat who is a minimum of 12 years old
Life jackets must be worn by anyone under 13 years old on any vessel
*Exception: If, prior to October 1, 2015, you obtained a valid license issued by the USCG or a valid boating certificate issued by CT, MA, NH, NY or RI, you are not required to have a Safe Waterskiing Endorsement.
Did you know…?
…Whether on a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddle board, CT State Law requires there be a properly fitting life jacket for everyone onboard a manually propelled vessel at all times - even for your dog. It also requires life jackets to be worn by children under 13 years of age and all adults paddling between 10/1 and 5/31.
LWA Members: Boating License Course Discount!
Mention you're a member of the Lake Waramaug Association and receive a special discount for your CT Safe Boating Certificate License course! $65 to join a normally scheduled class (normally $85 - a 23% discount) or grab your friends and family for a private group class for 10+ people for the same discounted rate of $65 per person (normally $100pp). Some Zoom classes may be available. Contact Captain Greg Trotta: Sound Environment Associates greg@seadolphin.com 800-510-9995 seadolphin.com
For more comprehensive CT Boating & Water Safety Info:
CT DEEP’s Boating & Paddling Website
