Lake Minnewashta Boating and Recreational Use Guidelines
In all cases, Minnesota law applies as a minimum and should be known and followed while on the water. These guidelines apply whether you live on Lake Minnewashta or whether you are a guest. These are not hard and fast laws, but are rather suggestions to help us all enjoy the lake. Help remind any visitors of this information to keep the lake safe and fun for all enthusiasts.
Boat Launching/Landing Etiquette
- Prepare your boat for unloading before you back your boat to the ramp including having straps undone, gear and coolers ready. The boat landing can get busy and to keep things moving efficiently, it helps if people are not waiting unnecessarily.
- Make sure your boat gets inspected for aquatic invasive species going in and coming out.
- Inspectors are there to prevent aquatic invasive species from being brought into the lake.
- Do a self-inspection of your trailer and boat to look for weeds and mussels and remove them.
- Be prepared to comply with all requirements like removing weeds, your drain plug etc.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your boat.
On the Water
- You are responsible for your wake and where it may end up. Stay clear of the shoreline (generally at least 200 feet and preferably in the middle of the lake. Avoid the slalom ski course if there are skiers using it and you are using the lake recreationally.
- Keep your music to a reasonable volume—sound travels on water!
- High speed boats (skiers, barefooters, wakeboarders, jet skis, etc.) should avoid the path of slow-moving watercraft including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, sailboats, swimmers, etc.
- If there are boats with people in tow (skiers, barefooters, wakeboarders, wakesurfers etc.), not only do they have the right away, but it can detract from the skiing or towing experience if you cut in front of the boat. Stay clear from crossing in front of those boats.
- Do not drive your watercraft behind boats and follow people in tow. A rider may fall at any time and this creates an unsafe situation for both the rider and watercraft that is following behind
- Recognize that there are multiple users of the lake—motorized boats, paddle boards, swimmers, etc. Be alert and cautious of all lake traffic.
- All users have rights to the water way, however from a safety perspective, swimmers, paddle boards and non-motorized watercrafts may want to stay closer to the shore on busy boat traffic days.
- Slow and non-motorized should be avoided by high powered boats.
- There are active teams of open water swimmers that get together to practice and train in the lake. This is routinely on Monday nights and Wednesday mornings, but there may be other days as well. Boats should stay at least 200 feet from swimmers and should not try to cut between the swimmers.
On or Near the Ski Courses
- If there are skiers using the course, be considerate about keeping your wake to a minimum around them. Skiers typically run the ski course from sunrise until 9AM. Try to minimize your wake so they can enjoy their activity. Wakes travel across the entire lake and take many minutes to dissipate.
- The course is for anyone to use, but if you inadvertently damage the course, let someone know so it can be repaired. (Contacts: Peter Schissel 612-366-1795 or Steve Gunther stgunther@gmail.com)
Wake Board/Ski Boats (Passenger in tow)
- The wake for a wakeboard boat is larger than other boats’ wake. Be sensitive to how close you are to shore. Although 200 feet is what is recommended, the middle of the lake is preferred. Focus on keeping towards the center of the lakes and bays when throwing a large wake.
- When the person you have in tow falls, drop your bow and rotate the boat 180 degrees to retrieve them. If there is no safety concern, there is generally never a reason to power turn to retrieve your passenger.
- When there appears to be multiple boats that want to use the same spot of water, communicate with your fellow lake partners. It can help everyone have better water. For example, it may be best to keep the boats running parallel as to keep the wave rolling in the same direction.
Personal Water Crafts (PWC) or Jet Skis
- PWCs should always keep a safe distance from other water craft and especially non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.
- Minimize repetitious maneuvers in the same spot, especially if close to personal residence.
- Avoid following boats that have a rider in tow (skier, wake surfer or wakeboarder).
Open Water Swimming
- Don’t swim beyond your ability. Swim with a buddy, preferably one in a boat, kayak, canoe, etc.
- Wear a swimming wetsuit and tow a safety buoy in case you tire and need to rest.
- Organized swimming groups launch from the northeast side of Red Cedar Point on Monday nights and Wednesday mornings. Look for the big orange triangular buoy and smaller yellow buoys. Boaters are asked to keep at least 200 feet from the swimmers.
