BOATER SAFETY TIPS for 2025

Wake surfing and wakeboarding are prohibited within 200 feet of shore, docks, and other structures

Idle speeds are required for motorboats within 100 feet of the shoreline

Residents of Alabama are required to have a boating license. Individuals aged 12 and older must complete a boater safety course and obtain a "V" endorsement on their driver's license. Those under 14 must be supervised by someone 21 or older with a license. The process involves passing an exam (unless exempt) and visiting an ALEA Driver License Exam Office.
Non-residents of Alabama will be required to have either (A) a valid boater safety certification or vessel operator's certification issued in your home state, or (B) a Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification under the same terms and conditions as Alabama residents.

Children 8 and under must wear a lifejacket

Number of life jackets present onboard must equal number of passengers

Passengers seated on the rear or deck of the boat can cause the driver to be ticketed

Please follow 5 mph wake zone signs

Stay seated while the boat is moving

Carbon monoxide from the rear of the boat is deadly

Drive on the right, same as a car, especially when the lake is busy

Never follow a boat towing a skier or tuber too closely as they may fall off into your path

Running lights, including anchor light, must be visible from sunset to sunrise

Boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous

Working with Alabama Power Company and Local Officials, the LWPOA installed Mile Marker and Creek Name Signs on the Lake. This program provides assistance to boaters in navigating and determining their location on the lake. Markers begin one mile north of the dam and continue through Mile Marker 9 just upstream of Highway 48 at the confluence of the rivers.

From there, Markers continue with numbers 10 through 22 along the Big River to Lee’s Bridge. These signs are distinguished by a black border around the sign panels.

Markers 1 through 23 on the Main Lake and along the Little River are distinguished as having no border around the sign panels and extend to the Old Highway 431 Bridge. Major creeks have signs denoting the name of the creek and are found at the intersection with the lake.

UNDERSTANDING NAVIGATION LIGHTS

Red on the port (left) side, green on the starboard (right) side.

Red light has a longer wavelength, meaning it’s easier to see in fog and low visibility conditions. Historically, sailors used red lanterns for port-side identification to avoid collisions at sea.

Green is brighter and more distinguishable at night compared to other colors, ensuring maximum visibility from long distances. When another vessel sees green, they know it’s the right side of the ship or aircraft!

The Ultimate Purpose: Collision

When two vessels approach each other:

If you see green, you’re looking at their right side – you have the right of way.

This system helps avoid confusion and ensures safe navigation in darkness, storms, and open waters.

BOATER SAFETY TIPS for 2025

LWPOA Installs Mile Marker and Creek Name Signs

UNDERSTANDING NAVIGATION LIGHTS

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