Navigation Rules

Since there are no painted lines or traffic signals on the water, the “rules of the road” give direction to boats and set a standard that everyone can follow to prevent accidents.

Some Fundamental “Rules of the Road”:

• Powerboats typically encounter three situations:
• When meeting, both boats stay as far to the right as possible.
• When crossing, the boat on the right has the right of way.
• When being passed by another vessel, maintain a steady speed and stay on your side of the channel, allowing the vessel to pass safely.
  
  
• Sailboats under sail have the right of way except when passing another vessel.
  
  
• Paddle powered boats have the right of way over motorboats.
  
  
• Under the inland rules, power driven vessels on rivers proceeding downstream with the current have the right of way over vessels traveling against the current.

Additional Safety Precautions:

• Proceed at a safe speed - Do all you can to stay out of the way of other boats and always proceed at a safe speed. Always consider current operating conditions and your own skill level.
  
  
• Keep a proper lookout - Watch for bridge clearances, power lines, floats, swimmers, logs, divers’ flags and other boat traffic.
  
  
• Watch your wake - All boats create some wake, which can bring undesirable side effects. A large wake might damage your boat, injure passengers, damage docked boats, disturb people using paddle craft and upset anglers and others.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY - DIAL 911
RESERVOIR INFORMATION – CALL (800) 422-9983