Stay Calm, Stay Safe, and Boat On: Reducing the Risk of Boating-Related Personal Injuries on Minnesota Waters
The warming weather means the boating season will soon be upon us. As the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota offers an abundance of opportunities for boating enthusiasts. However, with these opportunities come responsibilities and potential risks. Here's a comprehensive guide on preventing boating injuries while complying with Minnesota's boating laws.
Understanding Minnesota's Boating Laws
An important part of any activity is understanding the rules and regulations. As of July 1, 2025, a new law will go into effect requiring operators 21 years and younger to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit for motorboats and personal watercraft (PWC). Beginning July 1, 2025, the law will also require adult operators born on or after July 1, 2004, to hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit to operate motorboats and PWC. Over the next few years, this rule will be expanded to include additional adult persons as follows:
Young sailors interested in taking a turn at the wheel are still in luck. Youth operators under 12 may operate a motorboat with less than 75 horsepower if an accompanying operator is on board. Craving independence on the open water, children as young as 12 can earn a Minnesota water operator’s permit by completing an online boating safety course through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This course covers essential topics such as navigation rules, emergency procedures, and proper boating etiquette. Even if you're not legally required to take the course, it's highly recommended for all boaters to enhance their knowledge and skills.
- Learn More About Boat and Water Safety Education from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Wear a Life Jacket
One of the most crucial safety measures is wearing a life jacket. In Minnesota:
- Every person on board a boat must have a readily accessible and wearable life jacket.(A “boat” includes canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddleboats, and waterfowl boats.)
- Children under 10 must always wear a life jacket when the boat is underway.(Underway is defined as not securely fastened to a permanent mooring or tied to a dock.)
- Personal watercraft (i.e. “Jet Ski”) operators and passengers must wear life jackets at all times
Alcohol and Boating do NOT Mix
Thinking about knocking back a cold one and taking the boat out for a spin, you might want to reconsider. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s annual Recreational Boating Statistics reports for 2019 through 2023, alcohol use has been the leading contributing factor in boating-related deaths in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. If that doesn’t convince you, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Minnesota. To prevent accidents, it’s best practice to designate a sober operator or abstain from alcohol entirely while boating.
Essential Safety Practices
Do I Have the Necessary Equipment, and Does it Work?
Before setting out, ensure your boat is stocked with all the necessary safety gear and boating equipment and that everything is functional:
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher
- Navigation lights
- A whistle or horn
- Visual distress signals such as flares, electric distress lights, and/or flags
- Bilge Pump
- Tool Kit
- First Aid Kit
- An Anchor
- A Throwable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – A PDF is required by law if your watercraft or waterfowl boat is 16 feet (4.8768 meters) or more in length (NOTE: canoes and kayaks are excluded from this rule).
- A functioning marine carbon monoxide (CO) detection system and/or display three CO poisoning warning stickers – only required by law if your recreational motorboat has enclosed compartments.
- And any other items/equipment necessary to ensure a safe voyage on the vessel of your choice.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When selecting safety equipment, keep in mind that different types of boats and watercraft have different safety gear/equipment requirements. Make sure you know what equipment you are required by law to have on your specific vessel and what additional items/tools would be useful in the event of an emergency.
Weather Awareness
It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out. Sudden storms can create dangerous situations on the water. Be prepared to return to shore if conditions worsen, and have a plan in place in the event you are unable to do so safely.
Safe Speed and Vigilance
Need speed? Save it for the racetrack. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2023, excessive speed was one of the top five contributing factors in boating accidents nationwide. It’s important to consider weather conditions, water traffic, your boat type, and your skill level when determining what speed is the right speed. If you are ever unsure, slower is often your safest bet. Reduced speeds are especially necessary in crowded areas, near docks, in ‘no wake zones’, and near the shore. Follow the posted speed limits in your boating area, and keep a lookout for other boats, swimmers, and obstacles. If you can do that, you can cruise safely with confidence.
“Hey! I’m rowin’ here!” - Navigation Rules
Like driving on the road, water travel has its own set of rules. It’s in your very best interest to familiarize yourself with them if you’re hoping to have a safe, injury-free voyage. A few examples of the “rules of the water” (a.k.a. rules of the road) include:
- Always yield to the vessel on your starboard (right) side if two boats are approaching head-on;
- When crossing paths, the boat on your right has the right-of-way;
- When passing another boat, boaters should pass on the left side;
- Sailboats and non-motorized craft have the right-of-way over motorized watercraft, except when the non-motorized craft is passing.
Please keep in mind that the “rules of the water” go far beyond this brief list. To be a safe watercraft operator, you should be familiar with all the rules of the road.
Follow this link to learn more information regarding the navigation of watercraft on Minnesota waters: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6110.1200/
Legal Considerations
Even if you take all the proper measures and engage in safe boating practices, accidents can still happen. It’s important to be prepared and know what steps to take in the event of a boating accident:
1) Stop the boat at the scene of the accident – if the scene is unsafe, you can move to a safer location, but be sure to remain near the site of the accident;
2) Make sure everyone involved in the accident is accounted for - if anyone is injured or in distress, provide them with aid if you can do so safely;
3) Contact emergency services (911), the Coast Guard, or local authorities if there are injuries, imminent danger, or significant damage;
4) Once everyone is safe, document the accident – take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including any injuries and/or damages that were sustained;
5) If the accident involves property or another boat, exchange your name and boat number with the other operator and/or owner;
6) Notify local authorities or the appropriate agency (e.g., Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) if required by law. In Minnesota, accidents must be reported if they involve injuries, fatalities, property damage exceeding $2,000, or a missing person;
7) File a claim with your boat insurance company and provide all necessary documentation;
8) If someone suffers a personal injury, it’s essential to contact an experienced attorney you can trust who specializes in personal injury cases.
Make this boating season one to remember for all the right reasons. By engaging in safe boating practices and keeping up to date on Minnesota’s boating rules and regulations, you can help ensure that your time on the water remains enjoyable and incident-free. If you ever find yourself on Lake Marion, Crystal Lake, or Orchard Lake, check out downtown Lakeville. While you’re there, feel free to swing by and say hello to your fellow boating enthusiasts here at SiebenCarey in Lakeville.
In the event of a personal injury, feel free to contact me by calling (952)-469-2288 or emailing art@knowyourrights.com. As a certified trial specialist and seasoned attorney, I can captain your voyage through the legal world and help you get back out on the water. Have fun on Minnesota’s waters, and remember to stay calm, stay safe, and boat on!
