 The key to an enjoyable day on the water, whether on a motor-powered boat, a canoe, kayak, or wind propelled watercraft, is to be safe and prepared. Here are a few reminders to keep you and everyone on the water safe:
- "Headway Speed" means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and control of the watercraft. You must operate a watercraft at "headway speed" while:
- Within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands.
- Within a marina or an approved anchorage in coastal or inland waters.
This law was designed to keep everyone on the water safe, reduce erosion, and to help protect wildlife such as loons that nest on the shoreline.
- When towing someone on water skis, a surfboard, tube, or another device, ALWAYS have a responsible person at least 12 years of age in a position to observe the towed person(s) continuously, in addition to the boat operator. The person(s) being towed must wear a life jacket.
- You are responsible for your wake. Always pay attention.
- Be respectful of others. Give other boaters, swimmers, and anglers plenty of space and always drive at a reasonable and prudent speed for conditions, congestion of other boats, and wildlife.
- ALWAYS wear a life jacket. If you think you will have time to put it on after you are in the water, think again.
- Stay alert! Never drink and boat.
Before you go, view all of Maine's boating laws at mefishwildlife.com/laws
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Take a boating safety course
Participation in a boating education course will teach you how to properly operate and maintain a boat.
Begin an online course today.
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Protect Our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species
Maine has some of the country’s most pristine and healthy waters, which support high-quality habitat for fish and wildlife as well as endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Unfortunately, Maine waters, as well as the fish, wildlife, and recreation they support, are threatened each year by introductions of fish, plants, diseases, and other aquatic invasive species that compete with and displace native natural communities.
Effective June 16, 2023, prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters are required to remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example, hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water (excluding live bait containers). This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state.
It is up to everyone who enjoys Maine's waters - boaters, paddlers, and anglers - to protect our waters.
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