Boating Rules and Regulations
SIZE RESTRICTIONS: Please visit our FAQs
Holiday Lakes is a private community, however, our water is not private and it is owned and operated by the Ohio Division of Natural Resources. This means that we must abide by all ODNR rules and regulations while on the water. Below you will find some important information and education on boating laws and operation. It is important that we all do our best to follow the rules of the water because safety is our major concern and goal of Holiday Lakes.
Because our lake is smaller in size, with over 400 registered boats we ask each and everyone to follow the typical traffic flow of the water, which is in a circular motion. Be cautious of potential boats or people in the water as you are coming around a blind corner on the lake. Always operate your boat with extreme caution...remember BOATS DO NOT HAVE BRAKES!
It is each and every persons responsibility to understand and abide by both ODNR and Holiday Lakes rules and regulations. If you have a child using either a boat or PWC, please take the time to have them complete the Ohio Boating Safety Course and Exam.....remember, its the law. See the link below for taking the online course.
What the Law Says...
Ohio law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, to successfully complete either a boating course or a proficiency exam in order to operate a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower. (Ohio Revised Code 1547.05-1547.052; effective 1/1/2000)
The Education Law Does NOT Change Operator Age Laws
For PWC (Personal Watercraft, known by the common trade names of Ski-Doo, Waverunner, SeaDoo, etc.):
Children under 12 may not operate PWC, not even with an education certificate. Children 12 to 15 can operate PWC as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult (18 or older) who is onboard AND as long as the child AND the supervising adult (if born on or after January 1, 1982) have education certificates.
Children 16 or older can operate PWC as long as they have an education certificate. Adult supervision is not required.
For Powerboats (besides PWC) greater than 10 HP:
Children under 12 can operate any other type of powerboat greater than 10HP as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult (18 or older) who is onboard AND as long as the child AND the supervising adult (if born on or after January 1, 1982) have education certificates. Children 12 and over may operate any other type of powerboat greater than 10HP as long as they have an education certificate. Adult supervision is not required.
Boat Safety Required Equipment Ohio Boat Operators Guide
Ohio Boating Safety Course and Exam-Online