waterpatrol.org
Boat & Water Safety Information for Hennepin County Minnesota Lakes & Rivers
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Applications and Forms

The Water Patrol does more than patrol lakes and rivers to issue tickets. The state legislature outlines the obligations of the Sheriff in Chapter 86B of the Minnesota State Statutes. The Chapter is commonly known as the Boat and Water Safety Act. In addition to enforcing the laws, the sheriff regulates the use of the lakes and rivers by issuing permits for water related activities, inspects charter and rental boats, educates the public and investigates water and watercraft accidents.

This page contains links to many of the services offered by the Water Patrol. If you have any questions about forms or permits, send an email to for answers.

Specific Local Rules and Regulations

Individual cities have often enact ordinances specific to their jurisdiction. Click here before venturing out on local lakes to make sure you "Know Before You Go"

Other Water Patrols

There are literally hundreds of Water Patrol units around the country. If you are not looking for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol, click here to find others in Minnesota and around the country.

Special Event Permits

If you are holding an event on the lakes or rivers of Hennepin County, which will draw spectators, or may interfere with others who use the water, you must apply for a Special Event Permit. Some (but not all) examples of events that require a permit are:

  • Fishing Contests (both winter and summer)

  • Boat races and regattas

  • Festivals (such as golfing on ice)

  • Water ski or parasail exhibitions.

For events on the Mississippi or Minnesota River, please see the US Coast Guard Site for additional information. To see events that have already been approved, go to the Special Events Page.

Temporary Structure Permits

If you plan on placing a structure in a lake or river (other than a dock) you are required to apply for a Temporary Structure Permit. Fish houses do not require a permit. The most common types of structures are:

  • Swim rafts,

  • Floating trampolines and other permanent, in-water play structures,

  • Swim areas (designated by buoys),

  • Water ski jumps and slalom courses,

  • Skating rinks.

To apply for a Temporary Structure Permit, download the Application Form and then one of the following Information Sheets.

Swim Raft Skating Rink Swim Areas
Water Ski Slalom Courses Water Ski Jumps Mooring Buoy

You can also download the entire Temporary Structure Permit Packets.

For events on the Mississippi or Minnesota River, please see the US Coast Guard Site for additional information.

Charter Boat and Boat Rental Companies

If you rent boats canoes, kayaks, or if you provide boat rides or cruises for a fee, your watercraft must be inspected annually by the Water Patrol before you can legally rent or charter. Click one the link above for more information

Education

Sate law requires that  before people of a certain age can legally operate watercraft (including PWC's) , Snowmobiles and ATV's, they must have formal, state approved training. The Water Patrol offers Youth Snowmobile Training each December. You can also get online training through the following links.

Adults can get boat training through the US Power Squadron or the US Coast Guard. Click here to see a list of Metro Area classes.

Other Links

These are links to other websites, including the Minnesota DNR, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, the Minnehaha Watershed District, and others and to other items of interest such as wind chill calculators and sunrise and sunset times.

For events on the Mississippi or Minnesota River, please see the US Coast Guard Site for additional information