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Frequent Questions
Following is a list of the most commonly asked questions. If you cannot get an answer here, call the Water Patrol Office or send an email to FAQ@waterpatrol.org.
Table of Contents
| Summer Related | Winter Related | General Questions |
Summer Related Questions
- Do you need a driver's license to operate a boat in Minnesota
- Do children need to wear a PFD (Life jacket) while in a boat?
- How far into shore do the Big Island Safety Lanes extend?
- Do I need an observer to tow someone behind my PWC?
- What do I do if I see a buoy out of place?
Winter Related Questions
- When is the ice safe for winter activities?
- Do I need a Metal Traction Device (Stud) Sticker?
- What does the Water Patrol do in Winter?
General Questions
- How do I get an extension on a Written Warning (Fix-it Ticket)?
- Who can sign off on my Written Warning?
Do you need a driver's license to operate a boat in Minnesota?
You are not required to have a drivers license to operate a watercraft on any lake in the State of Minnesota
If you are stopped by the Water Patrol or a Conservation Officer, you need to provide the officer with proper identification. This ID is usually a drivers license, but it could also be an Minnesota ID card, school or work ID, passport or any other official identification.
Do children need to wear a PFD (Life jacket) while in a boat ?
Starting with the 2005 boating season, all children under the age of 10 must wear a properly sized, Coast Guard approved, personal flotation device. The only exception is when the child is below deck, aboard a charter boat, or if the boat is anchored or docked.
Complete information can be found on the DNR web site.
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How far into shore do the Big Island Safety Lanes extend ?
The Safety Lanes extend all the way to shore. If any part of a boat (including the anchor line) is in a safety lane, it must be moved
The lanes were implemented 2002 to permit access to the island and to the boats anchored close to the island for emergencies. They are also intended to prevent boats from being blocked in by other boats.
In the Summer of 2004, two additional Safety Lanes were added (bringing the total to four). In addition a lane runs parallel to shore.
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Do I need an observer to tow someone behind my PWC?
On Lake Minnetonka all watercraft that are towing skiers or tubes must have an observer that is at least 12 years of age. For PWCs, the observer needs to be able to communicate with the operator and DOES NOT have to sit backwards.
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What do I do if I see a buoy out of place?
If you see a buoy out of place, or any other hazard to navigation on any lake in Hennepin County, report it to Hennepin County Lake Improvement at 612-348-4378. You can also send an email to Hennepin County Lake Improvements.
If you are on the Mississippi or Minnesota Rivers, hail the Coast Guard on Marine Channel 16.
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When is the ice safe for winter activities?
Ice
is never completely safe. Currents, schools of fish and other occurrences under
the ice can erode it quickly. Six inches one day can be less than two inches the
next. Also, with in a very short distance, thickness can go from 12 inches to
less than an inch. This is especially true with rivers and streams.
The Minnesota DNR publishes the guide on the left to help you determine the minimum ice thickness for your planned activity.
For more information, visit the DNR website.
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Do I need a Metal Traction Device (Stud) Sticker?
As of July 1, 2004, the metal traction device (stud) permit is no longer needed for snowmobiles registered in Minnesota. However, you may not operate a snowmobile with metal traction devices on paved public trails, except when allowed by local government on trails under these jurisdictions or any portion of a paved state trail designated for such use by the commissioner. More information about Minnesota's
metal traction device (stud)
law.
Snowmobiles not registered in Minnesota must still bear a snowmobile state trail permit.
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What does the Water Patrol do in Winter?
The Water Patrol operates year round. In the winter, deputies patrol on snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV). They look for hazards, such as pressure ridges and open water, and enforce DNR and local laws.
During the "off" season (early spring, before the ice goes out, and late fall before the ice reaches minimum thickness) deputies prepare equipment and respond to emergencies.
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How do I get an extension on a Written Warning (Fix-it Ticket)?
You generally have 14 days to take the corrective actions necessary on the written warning, have it signed and returned to the Water Patrol office. You need to allow time for the mail and for processing.
If you need an extension, you can get one by calling the Water Patrol office and requesting one. Please provide the Written Warning number (found in the upper right corner) and the reason for the extension request.
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Who can sign off on my Written Warning?
Generally, any Water Patrol Deputy or any police officer can sign off on a written warning. If a Water Patrol Deputy signs it, you do not have to mail it in.
The exception is for Written Warnings for violation of a noise ordinance. If you get a Written Warning for this offense, you will need to make an appointment to come to the Water Patrol Office to have your boat tested.
If you do not respond to a written warning, you will be issued a citation for the original offense.
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Revised: February 26, 2006