BOATING RULES / REGULATIONS
Directional Lake
Boats must travel in a counter-clockwise direction around the lake. Crossing the lake requires moving perpendicular to the centerline
Speed Limits
5 mph / no-wake zone is enforced between sunset or 8:00 PM (whichever comes first) and 8:00 AM. A 40 mph speed limit applies during major holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) when red flags are flown at the marinas.
No Wake Zone
The outer edge of the entire lake is designated as a 5 mph no-wake zone, marked by orange buoys. Vessels must stay out of designated swim areas.
Towing & Flag Requirements
Towing a skier or tuber requires a minimum of 3 people on board: the driver, an orange flag holder who must be at least 12 years old, and the person being towed. An orange flag must be displayed whenever people or equipment are in the water outside the boat.
Right of Way & Clearances
Boats must maintain a distance of 100 feet from any vessel displaying an orange flag, swimmers, or people being tow
Age Requirments
16 years old. Operators under 20 years old must also carry a California Boater Card. Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators must also be at least 16 years old.
Life Vests
All persons regardless of age shall wear a coast guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) while being towed behind a vessel or while aboard a personal water craft (PWC). Children 13 and under shall wear a coast guard approved PFD while aboard a vessel, being towed behind a vessel, or while on a paddleboard, kayak etc.
Boaters Card
Yes, as of January 1st 2018 a California Boater Card is mandatory when operating a vessel/boat for privately owned boats only (not mandated for rental vessels). Boaters will be able to choose to take an approved boating safety course online, in the classroom, or through home study. For more information please visit
BASS LAKE MAP
