Boating Regulations

Various federal, state and local regulations apply to the lakes and waterways around Point Russell.

• General Vessel Speed
  No person may operate a vessel at a speed greater than five (5) miles per hour within 100 feet of a swimmer.
• Minimum Age
  No person under the age of twelve (12) may operate a motorized vessel with more than fifteen (15) horsepower. Children ages twelve (12) to sixteen (16) must have a person eighteen (18) years of age or older onboard to operate such a vessel. (There are some limited exceptions.)
• Equipment
  Although equipment requirements vary depending on the size and type of boat, most pleasure boaters are required to have the following on board while underway:
  • One throwable flotation device
  • One wearable flotation device for each person on board
  • One marine type fire extinguisher for motorboats of a closed hull construction
  • Navigation lights if operating after sunset
  • One sound producing device
  • One visual distress signal
  • Appropriate registration cards, numbers, and stickers
• Lake Boat Beaching
  Vessels are permitted to be beached in many parts of the Springfield Lake, provided there is not a designated swim area or a waterski takeoff and landing area.
• Special Use Areas
  Point Russell Bay has four major activity zones: swimming areas, open speed areas, 5 mph areas, and special use areas. The special use areas include Personal Watercraft Only areas, Personal Watercraft Permit areas, and Water ski Permit areas. In addition to these activity zones, certain beach areas have special rules.