 Labor Day Weekend is often one of the last popular boating weekends in Maine, let's make it a safe and memorable one! 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.
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Wakesurfing activity requires depth of at least 15 feet of water and must be more than 300 feet off the shoreline.
- 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
New Wake Boating Laws
A new law went into effect on August 9, 2024 which prohibits the operation of a motorboat engaged in a wakesurfing activity in less than 15 feet of water or within 300 feet of the shoreline.
Wakesurfing activity: is defined as an activity that involves using a surfboard, wakeboard, or similar device while being propelled by a motorboat’s wake or while on or in a motorboat’s wake directly behind that motorboat.
Watercraft dealers who sell a motorboat in Maine must provide the purchaser of that motorboat with information related to the boater safety and education courses offered by the department as well as information related to those operators who are required to complete those courses.
Boater Safety and Education
Participating in a recreational boating safety education course will teach you how to safely operate and maintain a boat and introduce you to Maine boating laws and resources. A person born on or after January 1, 1999, may not operate a motorboat greater than twenty-five (25) horsepower for recreational boating purposes on inland waters of this State or territorial waters, unless that person is 12 years of age or older and has completed a boater safety and education course. These persons must possess and present a boater safety and education course certificate for inspection upon request to a law enforcement officer. Exceptions: Registered Maine Guides (hunting, fishing, and recreational guides only), commercial fishermen, daily boat renters, and merchant mariners.
A person born after January 1, 1999 is also required to complete a boater safety and education course and be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (such as a jet ski) on inland waters and territorial waters of the State or to supervise a person under 12 years of age who is operating a motorboat.
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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.
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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