WARREN, Conn. — Even as summer wanes and Labor Day weekend looms, the Lake Waramaug Authority has reminded everyone of some state and local boating safety laws and regulations designed to keep waterways safe and enjoyable for all.
The towns of Washington, Warren and Kent adopted identical ordinances in 2025 that prohibit boats from producing enhanced wakes on Lake Waramaug. Excessive wakes can create hazardous conditions for other boaters, paddlers, swimmers, and shoreline property owners.
No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of Slow-No-Wake within 100 feet of shore, a dock, pier, float, or anchored or moored vessel, unless taking off or landing a water skier.
Connecticut law requires a responsible observer, at least 12 years of age, whenever a vessel is towing a water-skier, tuber, wakeboarder or any other person being pulled behind a boat. The operator’s attention should remain focused on the safe operation of the vessel while the observer monitors the person being towed.
Life jackets remain one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on the water. Connecticut law requires anyone operating a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or other manually propelled vessel between Oct. 1 and May 31 to wear a properly fitted life jacket. Children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket year-round. Wearing a life jacket greatly increases your chances of survival if you unexpectedly enter the water.
Safety on the water is a shared responsibility. By understanding and following these laws, we can all help prevent accidents and ensure Connecticut’s lakes, rivers and waterways remain safe for everyone to enjoy.
To report dangerous or reckless behavior on the water, contact the Washington Resident Trooper’s Office at 860-868-9671 or Connecticut State Police Troop L at 860-626-7900. For emergencies on the water, call 911 immediately.
