Lotus Lake Conservation Alliance
Organized exclusively to advocate for and work towards the protection and improvement of Lotus Lake
Boating Safety
Enjoying Lotus Lake by paddle or motorboat is a wonderful privilege. That privilege comes with serious responsibilities. Fun boating is safe boating, so know the rules and regulations that apply and contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with any questions you may have.
Safe Boating Practices:
Distance From Shore
Sec. 6-48. - Operation near shoreline.
Operation of motorized watercraft within 100 feet of any shoreline shall be limited to emerging straight out from and straight towards the shoreline, or slow-no wake operation.
(5 avg boat lengths or approx. 7 car lengths from shore)
Operation of personal watercraft within 150 feet of any shoreline shall be limited to emerging straight out from and straight towards the shoreline, or slow-no wake operation.
(7.5 avg boat lengths or approx. 10 car lengths from shore)
* The WSIA (Water Sports Industry Assoc) recommends operators stay at least 200' from shore for wake boats. Many entities recommend greater distances for wake boats.
Boating Regulations/Recommendations - "Highlights"
TOP FIVE BOATING SAFETY TIPS
• Wear your life jacket —And make sure children wear theirs.
• Stay sober—Booze and boating don’t mix. Alcohol is the #1 factor in boating fatalities.
• Tell a friend—Tell someone where you’re going and when you will be back. Bring a phone
• Be weather aware—Don’t let a storm sneak up on you—delay your trip or head to shore.
• Boat smart— Take a boating safety course. Know your boat; stay alert while scanning for dangers; stay seated
MN DNR REGULATIONS - Towed Sports
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It is unlawful to make a wake for a wake surfer or tow a person on water skis, wakeboard, tube, or similar device unless there is a mirror providing the operator a wide field of vision to the rear, or unless another person in the towing watercraft is continuously observing the person wake-surfing or being towed.
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Water-skiing, tubing, wake-surfing are prohibited between one-half hour after sunset to sunrise of the following day.
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Tow ropes may not be longer than 150 feet in length, unless a permit is obtained from the county sheriff.
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It is critical that everyone being towed wear a life jacket.
Wake Boat Recommendations - Own Your Wake!
The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) recommends a 200' from shore, docks or other boats...other entities suggest a much greater distance is needed to protect shorelines and avoid endangering smaller watercraft.
Minimize repoetitive passes.
Travel in deep water...15' or more to minimize lake bottom damage.
Be cognizant of your surroundings, other watercraft, proximity to shore, etc.
MN DNR REGULATIONS - Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket that is compatible with that activity (check the label).
• Personal watercraft must travel at slow no-wake speed (5 mph or less) within 150 feet of nonmotorized boats, shore (unless launching or landing skiers directly to or from open water), docks, swim rafts, swimmers, or any moored or anchored boat.
• Operation of personal watercraft is allowed only from 9:30 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset.
