Be the Best Boater on the Lake

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Driving a boat, unlike driving a car, doesn't require a licensed adult but the responsibilities of the driver for those on your boat and those around you remain the same.

Keep everyone safe.

Which can be even more challenging on the water.  No lane markings, rarely any 'road' signs, and drivers pulling others at a distance.

The MN DNR publishes a yearly pamphlet of boating rules for boat owners.  It is a good idea for all boat drivers to review the rules and their skills each year.

Here are 10 DNR reminders for all boaters to remember as Lone Lake has only 448 acres for all of our boats of many types, paddlers, skiers, and swimmers.

1. Own your wake--be mindful of what you create....don't "swallow-up" others with a huge wake.  Shoreline erosion, property damage, and impaired water quality with large wakes as well as public safety hazards can occur without intent to harm anything.

2. Not even a boat, but Aitkin County has a permit requirement for rafts that remain in the water overnight to keep driving easier for boaters.  A registration number, lights or reflectors, and a minimal yearly fee are required for those items.  Contact the Aitkin County sheriff for more information or stop into the courthouse to pay the fee once every five years.

3. While PWC (personal watercraft-jet skis) are to maintain a 150' distance from the shore, there isn't a MN rule for shoreline distance for boats. Always watch out for swimmers no matter where you are on the lake. Remember, in Minnesota,  PWC may operate between 9:30 am. and one hour before sunset.

4. Keep your tunes "in check".  Remember sound travels over the water far better than overland.

5. Travel slowly in shallow waters.

6. One life jacket equals one person.  Remember the law in MN for those under the age of 10 is that they must wear the life jacket anytime on a boat.  Keep your "throwable" life preserver handy.

7. Rules of the lake "road"......stay right.  When two boats are headed towards each other, each must angle right to give separation space.  Absolutely no reason to "play chicken".  Watch out for your own skier or tuber as you follow or lead another boat.

8. A sailboat has the right of way over a powerboat, but ANY human-powered vessel (kayak, paddleboard, canoe, paddleboat, rowboat being rowed), has the right of way over any other vessel.  For motorboats, that does mean to slow down to keep your wake to a minimum for these slower-moving boats.

9.  As the lake needs to be shared, the slower-moving boats and boards also need to think about their route.  Sometimes the middle of the lake is the best spot for the bigger boats.

10.  Above all......be polite.  Stay away from other boats while giving a friendly wave as boating is meant to be safe fun for all. Boaters are part of a lucky community we have here on the lake.  Thanks for being a part of that.

Check specific MN DNR boating rules with this link to the 2020 boating guide.