Safe Boating
Safety Counts
Between the months of May and September, Lake Whatcom gets busy with boats, swimmers and others at play, as well as wildlife. Along with the increased use come concerns about safety. Specifically, there is growing concern over the operation of personal watercraft because of their maneuverability, shallow draft, and high-speed operation. Hundreds of boaters and swimmers can be on Lake Whatcom on a single summer day, so every measure should be taken to prevent accidents and to generally respect other lake users and residents.
Speed Limits:
6 mph at all times, if you are within 300’ of docks and the shore, or within 100’ of a swimmer, diver, or any non-motorized boat.
8 mph from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
40 mph in unrestricted areas one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Right-of-Way: Swimmers, divers, and fallen skiers have the right-of-way over any watercraft. Similarly, a sailboat, rowboat, canoe, kayak, or any other non-motorized vessel has the right-of-way over any motor-powered vessel underway.
Safety Equipment: Personal floatation devices PFDs or “life jackets” that are U.S. Coast Guard approved are required to be aboard for each passenger. Children under the age of 7 must always wear a PFD when aboard any boat, motorized or not.
All motorized vessels must carry an approved fire extinguisher and, if over 16’ in length, a whistle.
Enforcement: The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office enforces boating regulations on Lake Whatcom. A deputy Sheriff patrols the lake on weekends during the boating season. If there’s an emergency or a problem on the lake, call 911.
Age:
You must be at least 10 years old to operate motorized watercraft up to 10 HP without an adult aboard.
You must be 16 to operate a motorized watercraft with a motor greater than 10 HP.
Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham have information about boating regulations for the lake. It is your responsibility to know them.
