Boating Safety
10 Essential Boating Safety Tips
Summer brings boating, fishing, paddling and swimming back to Gilmore Lake. It also brings a shared responsibility to keep the water safe for everyone—residents, guests and renters alike.
A few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable season on the lake.
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Be sure to familiarize yourself with Wisconsin's Boating Laws & Regulations.
Wear a Life Jacket​
Keep a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person aboard. The safest practice—especially for paddlers—is simply to wear it.
1
Boat Sober
Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and reaction time. Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal. Designate a sober operator before leaving the dock.
2
Carry Essential Safety Gear​
Make sure required safety equipment is aboard and in working order. It's also wise to carry a cell phone and first-aid supplies in a waterproof pouch.
3
Stay Alert & Use Common Sense
Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and reaction time. Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal. Designate a sober operator before leaving the dock.
4
Follow WI Boating Laws
Know the rules governing boating, personal watercraft, waterskiing and tubing. Never allow passengers to ride on gunwales, seatbacks or outside protective railings.
5
Practice Defensive Paddling
Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards can be difficult for boaters to see. Wear a life jacket, stay alert and avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible.
6
Watch the Weather
Conditions can change quickly. Watch for darkening skies, sudden wind shifts, lightning and rough water. Head for shore early when storms approach.
7
Respect Slow/No-Wake Rules
Motorboats must generally operate at slow/no-wake speed within 100 feet of swimmers, docks or shore. Personal watercraft have additional distance requirements.
8
Use a Spotter When Towing
A responsible spotter can watch the person being towed—skiers or tubers—while the boat operator focuses on navigation, traffic and changing conditions.
9
Taking a Boating Safety Course
Wisconsin offers approved boating safety courses online and in person to help operators understand navigation rules, boating laws and emergency procedures.
10
Safe Boating is a Shared Responsibility
By staying alert, respecting other lake users and following the rules, we can help keep Gilmore Lake safe and enjoyable for everyone.