Boating safety reminders





Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife





*mefishwildlife.com*






Happy 4th of July Week!
mother and daughter wearing life jackets on a pontoon boat [ [link removed] ]
If you're lucky enough to spend the holiday weekend on one of Maine's beautiful waters, make it a safe one for yourself, wildlife, and everyone on the water. Here are a few reminders:

* "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.
* 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.
* Wear an engine cutoff switch.
* Stay alert! Never drink and boat.
* Always tell someone where you are going, and when you will be back.

We hope you have a safe, memorable 4th of July weekend on Maine's waters. 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Clean Drain Dry [ [link removed] ]
Protect Our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species

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. Do your part by learning how to properly clean and dry your watercraft, motor, trailer and equipment. [ [link removed] ]







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More information

Maine Boating Laws and Rules [ [link removed] ]

Boating Safety Information [ [link removed] ]

Purchase Your Lake and River Protection Sticker [ [link removed] ]

Online Boat Registration Renewal [ [link removed] ]

Boating Safety Courses [ [link removed] ]

Help Protect our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species [ [link removed] ]

Label Canoes and Kayaks with a If Found Sticker [ [link removed] ]








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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ·41 State House Station · Augusta, ME 04333-0041 · (207) 287-8000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]