Statewide Boating Regulations for Non-Tidal Waters:

 

  • Boating accidents must be reported.

  • It is unlawful to operate a boat in a reckless or negligent manner, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • One Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) must be carried for each person on board.  Additional safety equipment may be required.

  •  Children under 13 are required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while underway on a vessel under 21 feet in length. It also requires children under the age of 16 to possess a certificate of boating safety education before they can operate a vessel unless they are supervised by an adult or someone 16 or older who has a boating safety certificate, effective Oct. 1, 2010.

  • New PFD Law effective April 1,2006:  If a child is less than 4 years of age or under 50 pounds, the personal floatation device SHALL feature ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, as appropriate for an infant, toddler or young child, so as to:

1.      Hold the child securely within the personal flotation device, including a STRAP that is secured between the child’s legs to fasten together the front and back of the personal flotation device.

2.      Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an INFLATABLE HEADREST or HIGH COLLAR.

3.      Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel, including a WEB HANDLE, (grab loop).

  • A valid registration must be on board and correctly displayed.

  • Navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise. 

  • Boating Safety Certificates are required for those born on or after July 1, 1972. 

 

Specific Regulations for Deep Creek Lake:

 

·        Boats may not exceed 26 ft. in length, except pontoon boats, which may not exceed 30 ft.

·        Sirens are not permitted.

·        Houseboats are not permitted.

·        Engines may not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity, or total displacement of 550 cubic inches – whichever is less.

·        Parasailing is not permitted on the lake.

·        Vessels shall be muffled so as not to exceed state noise level limits.

·        No garbage, sewage or other waste materials may be discharged into the lake.

·        Aircraft are prohibited on the lake and buffer strip.

Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC) Regulations

  • .Personal Watercraft (PWC) may not be operated on the lake between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on: Saturday, Sunday and holiday of Memorial Day weekend and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from July 1 through Labor Day. 

    YOU MUST...
    • Be at least 16 years of age to operate.
    • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
    • Carry a certificate of boater safety education if born on or after July 1, 1972.
    • Maintain 6 knots or slower within 100 feet of another PWC, vessel, shore, pier, piling, bridge structure, abutment or people in the water
    • Have PWC equipped with an operating self-circling device or kill switch.

    YOU MAY NOT...

    • Operate above idle speed in water less than 18 inches in depth
    • Operate between sunset and sunrise.
    • Jump, or attempt jumping, the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel.
    • Disturb waterfowl and wildlife.
    • Operate in a reckless and/or negligent manner.

     

 

Restricted Speed Zones:

 

  • Vessels may not be operated at a speed in excess of (3 knots) (minimum wake) within 100 ft. of the shoreline anywhere on the lake, except that a person may tow a skier from a dock or shore and then immediately exit the restricted area.

  • Vessels may not be operated in excess of  (3 knots) (minimum wake) between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sat., Sun. and holidays from the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day in the area which lies between Beckman’s Cove and North Glade Cove. 

  •  Vessels may not be operated at a speed in excess of (3 knots) (minimum wake) at any time in the following areas:  Meadow Mountain Run, east of the Meadow Mountain Bridge; McHenry Cove, north of the restriction buoys; upper end of Red Run Cove, southwest of the restriction buoys; Thayerville Cove, southwest of a line of buoys extending from the easternmost point of the Arrowhead peninsula; upper end of Hoop Hole Cove, southwest of the restriction buoys; and upper end of Pawn Run Cove, northwest of the restriction buoys.

 

Request that information for Boating or Law Enforcement on DCL that the public be directed to contact the Western Region Office, Natural Resources Police at 301-777-7771.  For Park information, contact the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area Office, located at 848 State Park Road, Swanton, MD, by calling 301-387-5563.  In the event of an emergency, call 911, the Department of Natural Resources Police (NRP) Emergency at 1-800-628-9944, or 301-777-7771.


Rowboats, paddle boats and non-gasoline powered crafts only are permitted on the lakes at Herrington Manor State Park, New Germany State Park, Savage River Reservoir and Broadford Lake. Rentals are available from park personnel at Herrington Manor, New Germany and Broadford Lake.