NO TRAILER/BOAT PARKING or STORAGE of BOATS, DOCKS or BOAT LIFTS are ALLOWED at ANY LAKE ASSOCIATION PROPERTY.
NEW YORK STATE BOATING LAWS
General Regulations:
Brianna's Law requires all motorboat operators to complete a boating safety course and obtain a certificate from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. New age requirements begin January 1, 2020, with full compliance by January 1, 2025. For info on boating safety courses please visit: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx
In New York State, vessel speed is generally limited to 5 mph when within 100 feet of the shore, a dock, pier, raft, float, or anchored boat. On some specific bodies of water the 5 mph limit has been extended to 200 feet, and there may also be a 45 mph daytime and 25 mph nighttime speed limit. Local ordinances may further regulate the speed of boats operated within specific areas, check with authorities regarding local regulations.
When no speed limit is posted, vessels must always be operated in such a fashion so as not to endanger others. A vessel must be able to stop safely within the clear space ahead. A vessel operator is always responsible for any damage caused by the vessel’s wake. Prudent judgment requires operators to reduce speed when passing marinas, fishing vessels, work boats or other similar areas. When encountering marine regattas or parades, always transit with an escort vessel. Should no escort vessel be provided, vessels should only proceed at a safe, no wake speed, as far away from the regatta as safely possible.
Vessel Engine Noise
The state of New York has established noise levels for recreational boats. In addition to the prohibition against muffler “cut-out” systems, the law stipulates that vessel noise not exceed either 90 decibels when subject to a stationary test or 75 decibels when tested while moving. It is also illegal to manufacture or sell a boat that does not meet these specifications. It is also against the law to remove, alter, or modify a muffling system which will cause the vessel to now operate in violation of the above noted standards.
(from the NYS Boating Guide)
KAYAKS:
All kayakers must be wearing a personal flotation devise (PDF) at ALL times on or in the Kayak, even if you are not paddling, all persons, passengers & children on a kayak must wear a PDF.
All kayaks are required to have a type IV Throwable PDF aboard.
All kayaks must have a light (white lantern) when rowing at dusk, dawn or night. Please see chart below provided by the New York State Police.
IN ADDITION:
Every water craft must have one Type I, II, Or III PFD (personal flotation device) for each person on the craft. For water craft equal to or longer than 16 feet, a Type IV throwable PFD must be in place.
For water craft equal to or longer than 16 feet, 3 USCG approved day/night hand held flares must be in place and must be "fresh" and not outdated. OR...for day use only, an approved orange distress flag may be used in place of the flares. For motorized craft less than 26 feet, one type B-1 fire extinguisher must be in place, and serviceable.
FOR THE RECORD: Excessive wave action from a boat's wake can erode the shoreline. Most if not all of the Susquehanna River above Goodyear Lake is less than 200 feet across, making most of the river a 5 mph travel zone in a motorized craft.
New legislation requires boaters to wear PFDs November 1 through May 1. Office of Parks would like you to advise the boating public and property owners on your website.
- New York State Park Police
- New York State boating laws apply. This includes requirements for life jackets, navigation lights, sound-producing devices, and registration.
- Boating Safety Certificate: As of January 1, 2025, all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate.
- Minimum age: You must be 14 or older to operate any motorized watercraft (including Jet-skis, Waverunners, and Pontoon Boats).
- Speed limits:
- 5 mph within 100 feet of the shoreline and within 500 feet of any boat launch, dock, or moored vessel.
- No wake zone around Silliman Cove between the boat launch and the fishing pier.
- Follow posted speed limits throughout the lake.
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
- One Coast Guard-approved PFD for each person on board is required at all times.
- For watercraft 16 feet or longer, you need an additional Type IV throwable PFD.
- From November 1 through May 1, all occupants must wear their PFDs while the boat is underway.
- Fire Extinguishers: One USCG-approved B-1 fire extinguisher is required for motorized boats less than 26 feet.
- Flares or Distress Flag: Boats 16 feet or longer need 3 USCG-approved day/night flares or an orange distress flag for day use.
- Alcohol and drugs: Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal and carries serious penalties.
- Aquatic invasive species: Take precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning your boat and trailer before and after launching.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Boating Regulations: https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses
Brianna's Law requires all motorboat operators to complete a boating safety course and obtain a certificate from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. New age requirements begin January 1, 2020, with full compliance by January 1, 2025. For info on boating safety courses please visit: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx
In New York State, vessel speed is generally limited to 5 mph when within 100 feet of the shore, a dock, pier, raft, float, or anchored boat. On some specific bodies of water the 5 mph limit has been extended to 200 feet, and there may also be a 45 mph daytime and 25 mph nighttime speed limit. Local ordinances may further regulate the speed of boats operated within specific areas, check with authorities regarding local regulations.
When no speed limit is posted, vessels must always be operated in such a fashion so as not to endanger others. A vessel must be able to stop safely within the clear space ahead. A vessel operator is always responsible for any damage caused by the vessel’s wake. Prudent judgment requires operators to reduce speed when passing marinas, fishing vessels, work boats or other similar areas. When encountering marine regattas or parades, always transit with an escort vessel. Should no escort vessel be provided, vessels should only proceed at a safe, no wake speed, as far away from the regatta as safely possible.
Vessel Engine Noise
The state of New York has established noise levels for recreational boats. In addition to the prohibition against muffler “cut-out” systems, the law stipulates that vessel noise not exceed either 90 decibels when subject to a stationary test or 75 decibels when tested while moving. It is also illegal to manufacture or sell a boat that does not meet these specifications. It is also against the law to remove, alter, or modify a muffling system which will cause the vessel to now operate in violation of the above noted standards.
(from the NYS Boating Guide)
KAYAKS:
All kayakers must be wearing a personal flotation devise (PDF) at ALL times on or in the Kayak, even if you are not paddling, all persons, passengers & children on a kayak must wear a PDF.
All kayaks are required to have a type IV Throwable PDF aboard.
All kayaks must have a light (white lantern) when rowing at dusk, dawn or night. Please see chart below provided by the New York State Police.
IN ADDITION:
Every water craft must have one Type I, II, Or III PFD (personal flotation device) for each person on the craft. For water craft equal to or longer than 16 feet, a Type IV throwable PFD must be in place.
For water craft equal to or longer than 16 feet, 3 USCG approved day/night hand held flares must be in place and must be "fresh" and not outdated. OR...for day use only, an approved orange distress flag may be used in place of the flares. For motorized craft less than 26 feet, one type B-1 fire extinguisher must be in place, and serviceable.
FOR THE RECORD: Excessive wave action from a boat's wake can erode the shoreline. Most if not all of the Susquehanna River above Goodyear Lake is less than 200 feet across, making most of the river a 5 mph travel zone in a motorized craft.
New legislation requires boaters to wear PFDs November 1 through May 1. Office of Parks would like you to advise the boating public and property owners on your website.
- New York State Park Police
