Water and Boating Safety

BOATING RULES

Below are the NLMD and Stewardship Committee Boating Guidelines.  In addition, the Rules and Regulations for Boating Operations on North Lake as required by the State, Town of Merton, and the Village of Chenequa are included below.  Adhering to these guidelines and rules and regulations should ensure a safe and happy boating season.

Thank you for your cooperation.

NLMD Commissioners

NLMD and Lake Stewardship Committee Boating Guidelines

The North Lake Management District (NLMD) and the Lake Stewardship Committee have agreed upon a set of safe and courteous boater guidelines to assure enjoyable use of our lake during summer seasons. The guidelines are presented below. The guidelines went into effect in 2019 and are being evaluated over a four-year period (2019-2022). We are counting on responsible and courteous behavior, from all of us on North Lake, to make these guidelines work well for everybody. We strongly encourage all residents to help each other be aware of these guidelines and respect them. Have a great summer!

  • No “Wake Surfing Mode” on the Little Lake. This recommendation is based on two years of results from the North Lake Study and other lake studies which show lake bed and lake shore damage from the wake surfing activity.
  • All wake traffic to operate at least 250’ from
  • Wake boat traffic to operate as close to middle of lake as possible. Please attempt to position your boat so the largest surf wake flows away from closest
  • Please avoid going over our sandbars. When creating a wake, please avoid traveling between the sunken island and the shore when boats are parked on the
  • When wake traffic is present on the lake, non-wake traffic (pontoons, other boats operating at no- wake speed) and sports (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) please operate within the no-wake zone within 250’ of shore. This pattern not only optimizes safety it allows wake traffic to operate more efficiently by not having to dodge non-wake
  • On Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, please observe “Slow-No Wake” beginning at 6:00PM.
  • Above all, please be courteous and thoughtful when operating your chosen craft on North

Revised February, 2022

Rules and Regulations for Boat Operation on North Lake

We have prepared a summary of the important requirements for safe and legal boat operations as stated in the ordinances/law of Town of Merton, Village of Chenequa, and the State of Wisconsin. Please take the time to read it carefully, save it, and be sure that those in your family and others who use your watercraft abide by the guidelines and rules.  Thank you.

Part One…Law Enforcement

There are three law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over boat operations on North Lake. These agencies are:

  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • The Village of Chenequa Police Department (Boat Patrol)
  • The Town of Merton (Boat Patrol)

All of these agencies have arrest powers relative to safe boat operations, and they enforce state and local laws regarding boat operations.

Part Two…Proper Boat Registration

  • All motorized vessels and sailboats larger than 12 feet in length must be registered with the State of Wisconsin. The registration number and a decal of registration must be displayed on your boat.
  • A certificate of registration must be available on board to be presented to a law enforcement officer if you are stopped for inspection or
  • The correct placement of registration numbers on your boat is detailed in the Wisconsin Boater Safety Regulation 2021 (see a link on the North Lake Management District website—NLMD.org)

Part Three…Required Equipment

  • All vessels (including PWC, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards) must have at least one approved USCG life vest for each person on
  • An approved USCG Type IV throwable device is required on motor boats, 16 feet and
  • Proper Fire extinguishers are required on inboard and outboard motorboats greater than 16 feet in length or boats with built-in fuel
  • Motorboats with battery systems must safely secure the battery with proper straps and terminal nonconductive covers.
  • Motorboats and motor-powered sailboats must have navigation lights on the bow and stern. The navigation lights must be used from sunset to
  • Vessels of any size, moored on North Lake after sunset, must have a white, illuminated light (“anchor light”) if more than 200’ from
  • Additional details regarding equipment are available for review in the Wisconsin Boater Safety Regulations 2021

Part Four…Legal Boat Operators

  • Motorboats – Children under 10 years of age cannot operate a
  • Motorboats – Children between 10-11 years of age may operate with a parent, guardian or designate on board the vessel and closely supervising the
  • Motorboats – Children between 12-16 years of age may operate with either a parent, guardian or designate or alone if they have completed an approved boater safety
  • Personal Water Craft (PWC) – Children less than 12 years of age cannot operate a
  • Personal Water Craft (PWC) – Children between 12-16 years of age must have completed an approved boater safety
  • Persons less than 16 years of age cannot rent or lease a

Part Five…Vessels who Declare Distress

Any boat operator is required to stop and render aid to another vessel which declares a distress situation by signal (flare, flag or arm signals) or call for help.

Part Six…How to Assure a Ticket or Arrest from the DNR, Chenequa PD or Merton Boat Patrol Officer on North Lake

  • Reckless operation of the vessel
  • Having a passenger ride on the bow, gunwale or stern while in operation
  • Exceeding speed limits on North Lake (35 mph)
  • Circling other vessels or swimmers within 200 feet or within 100 feet of a diver down flag
  • Operating at greater than “slow, no wake” speeds within 100 feet of shoreline, pier, raft, or other boats
  • Operating beyond “no wake” speeds during one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise of the next day
  • Operating while intoxicated
  • Tubing, water skiing, etc. before 9:00 am or after
  • Any boat towing a skier, tuber, must travel in a counter clockwise direction.

Part Seven…Courtesy Recommendations for our Neighbors, Friends, and Yourselves on North Lake

  • Water skiing, tubing, , wear a wearable life vest (Recommended)
  • When towing a water skier, tubing, etc. have a spotter (Recommended)
  • It is recommended that all vessels travel in a counter clockwise direction on North Lake
  • Avoid the sailboat race course area immediately before and during
  • When operating a powered vessel, avoid travel between swim rafts and
  • Found objects should be placed on the end of the nearest pier until claimed.
  • Be aware of wake and wash when operating wake board boats and other vessels to avoid damaging people’s property or endangering lives or Pay attention to the effect of large waves to shorelines, piers, and other boats.
  • Music on your boat should be played at a level for the enjoyment of your passengers and not shared with others on the lake. Noise on water travels a long distance at high volumes. Excessive volume is a ticketable

To ensure a safe summer for all, review the boater safety regulations published by the WDNR (see North Lake Management District link—NLMD.org or go to DNR.wi.gov).

Have a great and safe summer!

North Lake Management District                                                    Rev:  Feb, 2022