New Boating Laws on Lake Martin

There are two new boating laws that are happening this summer on Lake Martin in Alabama. If you don’t know about them, then you could put yourself in jeopardy! In this blog, I will tell you more about the two significant changes to the boating regulations known as “the proximity laws” and what you need to be aware of.

Rule #1: 100-Foot Rule on Lake Martin

The first change on Lake Martin is the 100-Foot Rule. This means that if you are within 100 feet of any dock, shoreline, or structure on Lake Martin, you must operate your boat at idle speed.

Idle speed is not just going slow; it means creating no wake. To achieve this, you should go to neutral and then put it forward one click. This rule is crucial to prevent damage to real estate or structures and ensure the safety of swimmers and other boaters near the shore. To visualize 100 feet, think of it as about four boat lengths if your boat is between 22 and 26 feet long, such as a pontoon boat.

Rule #2: 200-Foot Rule on Lake Martin 

The second change is the 200-Foot Rule for wakeboarding and wake surfing. If you are actively wakeboarding or wake surfing on Lake Martin, you must stay at least 200 feet away from any shoreline, pier, structure, boathouse, bridge, or dock. This rule is essential to minimize the impact of wakes on the shoreline and nearby structures such as real estate, ensuring a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone on the lake.

Please be polite this summer while we all learn these new regulations. Remember, the Alabama Marine Patrol will be enforcing these rules, so it’s best to keep a safe distance and avoid any potential fines. The new laws will take effect on October 1st. So there is a little bit of time to get accustomed to these regulations. Let’s have a safe and fun summer!

Real Estate on Lake Martin

If you have any questions about the new boat laws, you can ask the Marine Patrol officers. If you have any questions about real estate on Lake Martin, I would be happy to help you out. I’m John Coley with Lake Martin Voice Realty. Give me a call at the number on the top of this page, shoot me an email, or reach me through our Contact Page. 

Visit the links below for more blogs on what’s happening around Lake Martin this summer:

2024 May Market Report | Lake Martin Alabama Waterfront Real Estate

Huge Changes in Residential Real Estate