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Kayaker on Pleasant Lake at sunrise

Boating Safety & Rules

Know the rules before you launch. They protect swimmers, wildlife, and everyone on the water.

At a Glance

No-Wake Distance
150 Feet
From shore, swimmers, other boats, floats, and marked swim areas — NH Law 270-D:2 Section VI
No-Wake Speed
6 mph
Maximum speed within the 150-foot no-wake zone
Boating Certification
Above 25 HP
Any operator of a powerboat over 25 horsepower must carry a valid boating certificate

Video courtesy of Last Wilderness Alliance

Wakesurfing impact infographic — comparison of wake heights and environmental impacts
Infographic courtesy of Last Wilderness Alliance. Research by Carol Phillips.

Enhanced Wakes & Shoreline Damage

Ballast lowers the stern; wakes can reach 4+ feet. Near shore they damage docks, boats, and erode banks — and create unsafe conditions for swimmers and paddlers. Note: 150 ft is not enough distance for wake boats — research supports at least 500 ft from shore for wake boat operation.

Sediment Disturbance & Cyanobacteria

All motorboats — not just wake boats — should operate through water at least 30 feet deep and navigate down the center of the lake. Propeller wash in shallow water stirs up phosphorus-rich sediment from the lakebed, which significantly increases the risk of cyanobacteria blooms. Do not deploy ballast until in at least 30 feet of water: wake boats can mix water down to 30 feet or deeper, pulling phosphorus-rich deep water to the surface even in the center of the lake. Learn more.

Invasive Species Risk

Ballast tanks are hard to drain fully; invasives can survive in small amounts of water. Extra care required between lakes. Invasive species prevention.

The Rule

Within 150 feet of shore, island, dock, raft, swimmer, or other boat: slow to no-wake (≤ 6 mph). All vessels. (150 feet ≈ two ski ropes.)

Best Practice Towing

Ski down the middle; use long, straight runs with barbell turns. Keep boat and skier 150+ feet from all objects and 500-700 feet from shore.

Boat Safety Checklist

NH Fish & Game requirements for all powerboats and human-powered craft.

Life Jackets (PFDs)
One wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one at all times while underway.
Fire Extinguisher
Required on all powerboats with internal combustion engines. Ensure it is fully charged and accessible.
Sound Signal
Every boat must carry an efficient sound-producing device (horn or whistle) to signal in fog or during emergencies.
Seating Rules
No sitting on cockpit edge, bow, or transom while underway. Stay in designated seats.
Ignition Lanyard
On powerboats, it is strongly recommended to attach the ignition kill switch lanyard to your wrist or life jacket at all times. If the operator falls overboard, the lanyard stops the engine — preventing a driverless boat from continuing at speed.
Paddleboards & Kayaks
Same life jacket rule: one per person. Yield to larger vessels.
On-Board Safety Guide
Download our On-Board safety rules for a complete checklist of requirements for Pleasant Lake.
Dog on a paddleboard wearing a life jacket on Pleasant Lake

People & Observer Requirements

  • A maximum of two people may be towed at any time.
  • An observer who is 13 years of age or older is required in the boat at all times while towing.
  • All skiers and wakeboarders must wear a life jacket while being towed.

Time & Distance Rules

  • No skiing or towing is permitted before sunrise or after sunset.
  • 150+ feet from shore, island, other boats, swimmers, floats.

Loons & Protected Waterbirds

Loons and waterbirds nest here. Give them space.

Loon on Pleasant Lake with boats in the distance
Loons Are Protected
Boating too close to loons is more than just illegal — it's dangerous for the birds. Human disturbance can cause parents to abandon their nests or chicks, leaving them vulnerable to predators and exhaustion. While it's tempting to get closer for a photo of the chicks, please use a long lens and keep your distance (at least 150 feet). Chicks cannot dive or fly to escape and easily become separated from their parents when stressed by nearby boats.
Ducks on Pleasant Lake
Give All Waterbirds Space
Keep well away — especially during nesting (May–July). Nests at the water's edge are easily swamped by wake. Slow down significantly near nesting coves. Wildlife conservation.

Resources