Boating safety is necessary to ensure a day full of fun on Wisconsin’s waterways. We have compiled the tools necessary to allow you to educate yourself on the Wisconsin laws pertaining to boating skills, safety and boat inspection. Please use these valuable tools allowing the Fox River waterway to be a safe and enjoyable experience for all boaters and swimmers.
It is estimated that over 1 million boats take to Wisconsin waters each year making courtesy, safety and education important issues for boaters.
Educate yourself to improve your… Boat skills
The links below are made available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
Additional information which can be found directly on the DNR website.
- Boat Registrations – Boat registration application and instructions
- Boat Renewals Online – Renew your Boat Online
- Know Wisconsin’s Boating Laws
- Boating Safety Education – Upcoming boating safety education classes, who is eligible to take a class, course content
- Boating Safety Course – To reduce the potential for accidents, injuries and fatalities; to reduce the potential for conflict between participants, landowners and other resource users; and to promote safe, responsible and ethical use of the environment and our resources.
- Safety Tips – Tips to make boating fun and safe
- Age Requirements – Age requirements for boat operation in Wisconsin
- PFD’s (Life Jackets) – Legal requirements and help with choosing the right PFD for you
- Boating Ordinances and Waterway Markers – What are local boating ordinances and what those buoys really mean
- Boating Regulations – A synopsis of the most recent boating regulations
- Reporting an Accident and Accident Statistics – When and where to report an accident and information on accident trends
- Boat Transportaion and Bait Laws – Wisconsin has various laws in place to prevent the introduction and control the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases in Wisconsin.
Notice to Mariners
VSC Inspection (Vessel Safety Check)– If you haven’t done so, this is a good time to get a VSC inspection. Make sure your boat is safe.
Boat Safety and Boat Inspection
**Dams pose one of the largest threats to boaters on the Lower Fox, particularly for paddlers. If you are not an experienced paddler, FOF highly discourages you from attempting to paddle near dams! These portions of the river are for experienced paddlers only. Know that the diverse geography of the Fox River produces a range of difficulty levels for boaters; know which portions of the river are acceptable for your skill level! Please know that different portions of the Fox River range in higher levels of difficulty.
- Take Special Cold Water Precautions in Spring
- Wear a Life Jacket and Do Not Drink
- Boating Regulations – A synopsis of the most recent boating regulations
- Boat Overloading
- Navigation Right of Way
- Boaters Safety Course – Upcoming boating safety education classes, who is eligible to take a class, course content
- Paddle Sports Safety Course
- Paddling the Fox River in Appleton
- Boating and Paddling the Lower Wisconsin River
- Explore the American Canoe Association’s website to learn more about paddling skills, safety and more
- Ohio DNR low head dam safety information