Lake Rules for Water Safety

The following town and state boating and swimming regulations must be strictly followed and will be enforced.

Please practice responsible boating and water safety.
Make sure your guests and tenants are aware of these regulations.

Printable Version of Lake Rules (PDF, 26 KB)

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Town of Exeter Ordinances (See How to Report Violations)

Horsepower 45 horsepower maximum.
Direction of travel Counter-clockwise for all motorized boats.
Speed
  • 30 mph maximum speed limit.
  • 5 mph maximum speed limit in Main Beach Cove and South Cove.
Water skiing
  • Water skiing is not allowed in Main Beach Cove or South Cove area except for picking-up and dropping-off water skiers and skiing directly away from or toward the shore.
  • No more than two water skiers allowed per boat.
  • Erection of structures or devices in connection with water skiing is not allowed.
Night-time operation
(9 PM to 8:30 AM)
  • 5 mph maximum speed limit.
  • All boats over 16 feet must have proper running lights.
  • Smaller boats must have a hand-held lantern.
Weather No boat shall be operated under power when visibility is restricted by fog or other conditions to less than 50 feet.
Swimming All swimming must take place within 50 feet of shoreline unless accompanied by and within 15 feet of a boat.
Scuba diving Scuba diving is permitted in the Main Beach Cove area only, except in the case of emergencies.

State of Rhode Island DEM Regulations (See How to Report Violations)

Registration for boats All motorized boats must display current and valid registration and numbers. This includes electric motorized boats.
Life preservers
  • One wearable Coast Guard approved life jacket per person in every boat (powerboat, canoe, kayak, paddleboat, etc.).
  • Children 10 years of age and under must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times.
Spotters Any boat pulling one or two water skiers, watertubes, surfboards, wakeboards, etc. must have a spotter 12 years of age or older who is qualified to observe.
Safety equipment Fire extinguishers and flares are required where applicable.
Right of way Motorized boats must give right of way to all unmotorized boats.
Jet skis Jet skis cannot be operated on Boone Lake due to requirements of state statutes governing clearance from boats, the shoreline, and swimmers.

How to Report Violations

Town of Exeter Ordinance Violations State Police Exeter Patrol 401-267-0145
State Police Hope Valley 401-539-2323
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Violations Business Hours 401-222-6800
After Hours 401-222-3070

Copyright 2009 - 2010
Last updated: February 15, 2010