2009
Deep Creek Lake
Boating Fact Sheet
Vessels must be 26 feet or less in length, except pontoon boats, which may be no greater than 30 feet.
Vessels shall not be operated in excess of minimum wake speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, except to begin towing a skier from a pier or shore (vessel must immediately leave the 100 foot area).
Vessels towing a skier must remain 100 feet from all other vessels, shore, bridge, dock, or person in the water. Towlines must be no longer than 75 feet in length. Additionally, an observer at least 12 years of age must be on board the vessel.
Individuals being towed on any device must wear a life jacket. Airborne towable devices are not allowed on the lake at any time.
There must be a USCG approved, wearable life jacket (size/weight classification) for each person on board which is readily accessible.
All children under the age of seven, on a vessel less than 21 feet in length, must WEAR an approved life jacket with a flotation collar and crotch strap while underway.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
Personal Watercraft are restricted from use between 11 am and 4 pm on the Saturday, Sunday, and holiday of Memorial Day Weekend, and Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays from July 1st through Labor Day.
Personal Watercraft shall not be operated in excess of 6 knots (7.16 mph) within 100 feet of another PWC or vessel, shore, bridge, dock, or person in the water.
Personal Watercraft operators must be at least 16 years of age and possess an approved boating safety certificate.
Personal Watercraft operators and passengers must wear an approved life jacket at all times.
This fact sheet is only a summary of the boating safety laws for Deep Creek Lake.
For more information regarding the State’s boating safety requirements, please visit our website at
or contact the Natural Resources Police at (301) 777-7771.