General Safety

Watercraft may not be operated by anyone that is under the influence of any legal or illegal drugs or alcohol
Keep all hands and fingers free from gates and hinges when exiting the vessel.
Proper use of navigation and anchor lights is required.
While underway, all gates must be closed and all participants must be seated inside the gated area.
Individuals are never to enter the water unless the vessel motor is turned off, the keys are removed, the propeller has stopped spinning, and a lifejacket is worn.
Before starting the motor, always do a headcount to make sure all passengers are onboard and visually inspect the area.
While the vessel is in motion, passengers must remain seated and away from the front (bow), sides (gunwales), rear(stern/transom), and swim platform.
The engine shut off cord (lanyard) must be attached to the operator’s wrist or PDF at all times.
If anchoring the vessel, do so in a location where others may easily see the vessel. Anchoring should always be done from the bow (front).

Navigation

When crossing the path of another vessel, always yield to the vessel on your right (starboard).
It is the responsibility of the participant/operator to slow down, steer away, or stop to avoid any and all possible collisions.
If meeting another vessel head on, operator should steer to the right.
When overtaking another vessel, it should be done to the left (port side). When running a powerboat, you must give way/yield to all sailboats.
The vessel must be operated at speeds that are safe for the location and conditions. No weaving through vessels that are underway, stopped, moored, or at anchor and avoid swimming areas. Scan the area constantly, operate defensively, and avoid aggressive maneuvers.
Towing of other vessels is not permitted.
Keep a safe distance away from people, objects, and other vessels. As speed increases, greater distance is needed.
Vessels do not have brakes; stopping the engine will not stop the vessel. Stopping quickly will likely be difficult (or impossible) if the vessel is traveling too fast.
Be aware of depth, do not enter shallow water with watercraft.

When traveling through any of the rivers, never dock going with the current. It is important to dock against the current as you have much greater control of the vessel.
Never turn around in any of the rivers. You will end up going down the river sideways.
Always stay in between navigational buoys when possible.

A spotter must be used while towing people behind the vessel.
Tow lines should be outside the vessel and clear of the prop so that when towing begins, the tow line cannot catch any participant in the vessel. When tow activities have ceased, tow lines are to be properly stowed aboard the vessel before starting the engine.
No tubing on Clam Lake