{Photo of bridges over Connecticut River in Old Saybrook}

Boating Legislation

Connecticut’s hundreds of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, as well as Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound offer a variety of recreational opportunities for the boating enthusiast. Long considered one of the nations most beautiful places to boat, Connecticut brings diversity to the water. Whether fishing, cruising, sailing or paddling, you are certain to find a new ‘favorite spot’.

Connecticut’s award winning boater education program is second to none and considered one of the country’s finest. A course in Safe Boating and Personal Watercraft Handling can not only be enjoyable and informative, but is required to obtain your certification. Our new Paddle Safety course is a great introduction to paddlesports covering such topics as equipment, types of paddle-craft, strokes and much more.

Making certain that your vessel has the proper safety equipment will help reduce boating accidents and deaths. Life jackets help prevent drowning, the number one cause of boating fatalities. Please insist that all in your party wear life jackets.

The Department of Environmental Protection is working hard to keep Connecticut’s waterways safe, clean and fun for all boaters. We look to every boat operator to help us in our efforts by knowing and obeying the laws and regulations as well as exercising sound environmental practices.

Enjoy your time on our waters. Make the sound choice to boat safely and responsibly.

Contact the Boating Division