100 FOOT RULE:
All powered boats must operate at no-wake speed within 100′ of docks, rafts, buoyed swim areas, moored boats or hoists and persons wading or swimming.
RECKLESS OPERATION:
No weaving through congested traffic, crossing wakes of other water craft, being unreasonably or unnecessarily close to other watercraft or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed.
YOUNG BOATERS 12 YEARS OLD TO 16 YEARS OLD:
Must have a boating safety course certificate to operate solo.
UNDER 12 YEAR OLD OR WITH NO CERTIFICATE:
Must be under direct (on board) supervision of someone at least 16 years old.
LIFE JACKETS:
An approved life jacket must be worn or readily available (not wrapped or under seat, etc.) for each person in the boat. Children under 6 years old must wear type I or type II life jackets while boat is underway. No exceptions.
BOW RIDING:
Riding on the bow of a boat not designed for this purpose is prohibited.
INTOXICATION:
A person who is intoxicated (same definition as for driving a car) may not operate or be in charge of any vessel.
MICHIGAN BOATING LAWS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Click on the photo for a copy of The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities.
Did you know that effective 2019 a new boating law was passed in Michigan to stop the introduction and spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. This law and requirements can be found in the Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities. They include inspection of boats and trailers to make sure they are free of aquatic organisms, plants and mud; draining live wells and bilges before leaving access sites and removing all drain plugs while in transit on roadways; disposing unused bait in the trash and not the water and not transferring fish to water bodies other than where they were caught.
Higgins Lake has three boat wash locations for your convenience in helping the spread of invasive species. The map also includes locations of public restrooms around Higgins Lake.
