Lake Rules and Visitor Guidelines
Boat Rental Rules
- Life jackets must be worn and fastened at all times while on the launch and while using rowboats, kayaks, and canoes.
- Swimming and wading are prohibited.
- All watercraft and equipment must be returned within 10 minutes of the end of the rental period.
- Late returns may result in additional fees of $20 per half hour, per item.
- No refunds will be given. Vouchers may be offered at our discretion.
- Rentals may be suspended or ended early due to weather, temperature, water conditions, or other environmental factors.
Fishing Regulations
- Shoreline fishing is prohibited.
- All fishing is catch and release only.
- Please remove lures and line caught in trees.
- Trolling and gas-powered motors are prohibited.
- Cast nets, magnet fishing, and traps are not allowed.
Safety and Conservation
- Dispose of trash properly using receptacles throughout the Park and at the Boathouse.
- Respect plants and wildlife. Keep a safe distance, do no harm, and take nothing.
- Stay on trails and durable surfaces to reduce erosion.
- Be mindful of noise and of other visitors' experience.
- Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited.
- Open fires, fire pits, and portable grills are prohibited.
Supervision Requirements for Children
These supervision ratios help support safety on the water and around the launch area.
Ages 5–7
Non-swimmers or children new to paddling
Required supervision
1 adult per child
Ages 8–12
Required supervision
1 adult per 3 children
Ages 13–17
Required supervision
1 adult per 4 children
Waiver and Assumption of Risk
By participating, you acknowledge that:
- Activities in, on, and around Mariners' Lake carry inherent risks.
- You, or your minor child, are physically able to participate and will follow all rules and safety requirements.
- The Mariners' Museum and Park does not guarantee participant safety.
- You voluntarily assume the risks associated with rentals, programs, and related activities.
Possible hazards may include:
- Slips, falls, submersion, entanglement, blunt-force injuries, or drowning
- Extreme weather or temperatures, including lightning, hail, hypothermia, or hyperthermia
- Insect bites, animal bites, plant-related injuries, falling limbs, or similar outdoor hazards
- Exposure to waterborne pathogens or other contaminants
- Previously undetected medical issues, delayed access to care, or failure to carry emergency medication
- Travel-related accidents to or from the activity site
- Failure to follow rules, regulations, or safe practices
- Other risks arising from negligence, carelessness, or inattention by the participant
Rental Agreement
Rental Terms
- I agree to return all rented watercraft and equipment on time and in the same condition in which they were received.
- I agree to pay applicable late fees and any charges for damage while the equipment is in my possession.
- I understand that failure to comply may result in loss of access to Mariners' Park and Mariners' Lake.
- I accept responsibility for bodily injury, property damage, or loss that occurs while the watercraft is in my possession.