Safe Passage You must operate your boat at headway speed (less than 6 mph) when you are within 150 feet of any person, place, or thing. Within most of the narrow channels and next to or between islands, it is not legal to pass or overtake another boat except at headway speed. Unfortunately, distances over water are hard to estimate, but to help emphasize the importance of this rule, SLA has placed markers at the entrance to the Squam River at the west end of Big Squam and at the west end of Little Squam. Use them to help sharpen your sense of distance. Observing this safe passage rule is more than a matter of safety; it is also a courtesy much appreciated by operators of small boats.

Right-of-Way Boats approaching head-on should veer to the right. When two boats approach each other at an angle, the boat on the right has the right-of-way. However, powerboats must yield to all non-powered boats, including sailboats, windsurfers, rowboats, kayaks and canoes.

Lifejackets Every boat must carry a wearable personal floatation device (Type I, II, or III) for each person on board, and children under six must wear theirs at all times. Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry one throwable Type IV PFD.

Speed The maximum speed allowed for boats on the Squam Lakes is 40 mph in the daytime and 20 mph at night. Bean and Nichols coves are posted for 10 mph, and certain channels are posted as 'no-wake' areas.

Lights From sundown to sunrise, every boat must display a white light visible in all directions. Powerboats must also display red and green running lights.

Water-skiing A water-skier is considered to be 'part of the boat.' Thus, the skier must abide by the 150-foot safe passage rule described above. An observer (13 or older) is required in the tow boat, in addition to the driver, to monitor the skier. If you are towing two water-skiers, two observers are required. Skiers must wear approved life preservers. Anything towed by a boat (a tube or other inflatable, for example) is subject to all water-skiing rules. Water-skiing is prohibited in Rattlesnake and Squaw coves.

Personal Watercraft with a capacity of two persons or less are prohibited on the Squam Lakes.

Age In New Hampshire, the operator of a boat over 25 horsepower must be at least 16 years old unless accompanied by an adult.

Boating While Intoxicated To operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense with equally serious consequences, including a fine or imprisonment, as well as loss of operating privileges for up to a year. There is also a fine for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test.

Other Requirements Powerboats must carry a horn and a fire extinguisher, and gasoline must be carried in a Coast Guard-approved container. Boats with motors and sailboats or windsurfers 12 feet or longer must be registered in New Hampshire or another state.

Houseboats Boats which have both sleeping and toilet facilities are prohibited on the Squam Lakes.