Have you seen them? The Aitkin County Sheriff operates a crew that regularly checks on county lakes. When? The schedule varies, but they have been seen on Lone Lake a few times already this year. Sheriff's officers also will come when they are called about lake usage concerns.
How can you make sure you are in compliance with Minnesota DNR 2021 regulations? Here are a few of the rules that are best to follow.
Humans on any sort of watercraft:
under age 10 must WEAR a life jacket when on any sort of boat
A life jacket must be aboard the watercraft, this includes canoes, kayarks and SUP, for each human.
Boats 16' and longer must also have a throwable life-saving device on board
BWI (boating while intoxicated) is law in MN. While an open container may be onboard, the driver is always subject to regular intoxication laws. (Note that this June an accident on Big Sandy Lake (Aitkin County), resulted in the boat driver being charged under this law.)
Specific for personal watercraft:
Operation of a jet ski is only allowed in MN from 9:30a.m. until an hour before sunset. (Note sunset is already earlier almost daily.)
When a jet ski is within 150 feet (half a football field) of the shoreline, a dock or raft, a non-motorized boat, swimmer, or anchored boat, the jet ski MUST use the no-wake speed of 5 mph or less.
Wave jumping, a fun activity for many personal watercraft owners, ust be done 150' away from the boat/jet ski creating the waves.
Swimmers--humans, dogs, etc.
Please make sure you are seen in/on the lake. Wear a brightly colored life jacket or have a floatie of some sort with you. Boat drivers often cannot easily see the black or dark blue life jackets. Do not assume the driver sees you.
Swim away from the main boat routes if it is a busy time of the day.
The basic thing to remember.....above all, be respectful to others. When in a boat, remember your wake spreads out from you and affects everything in the water and the lakeshore far away. Think of the golden rule to keep you, your friend and neighbors safe and happy.