An Urgent and Important Joint Message from Lake County Water Resources Department, Lakebed Management, and Lake County Sherriff’s Department, Marine Patrol. Idle Speed Zone Maps are Likewise Attached, for Your Reference and Use.
Contact: Lakebed Management (707) 263-2344
Boaters Take Care: Reduced Boating Speed Enforced When Operating a Motorboat Within One-Quarter Mile of Shore While Lake Levels are High in Clear Lake
LAKE COUNTY, CA (February 21, 2024) – Due to increasing lake levels in Clear Lake, motorboat users are reminded of local recreation Ordinance 3065, which requires idle speed when boating within one-quarter mile or less from the shore of Clear Lake. “Idle speed” means operating a motorboat at a speed that does not produce a wake, protecting shoreline property and infrastructure from harmful wave action.
This Ordinance goes into effect when the lake reaches 8.0 feet or higher on the Rumsey scale for a twenty-four (24) hour period. The requirements are lifted when Clear Lake drops to 7.9 feet Rumsey, or lower, for a 24 hour period.
Violating this Ordinance constitutes a misdemeanor and may result in a fine not to exceed $500, or up to six months imprisonment in the County Jail.
Please Continue to Exercise Caution Due to Floating and Submerged Debris
Additionally, all boaters are advised to use extra caution when operating motorboats throughout Clear Lake due to floating and submerged debris hazards resulting from the ongoing Atmospheric River storm events that have occurred in late January and February.
Floating and submerged debris such as trees, branches, full or partial floating docks, abandoned or detached boats, trash, and other objects can cause significant damage, particularly when coming into contact with boats operating at normal to significant speed. Boaters should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings and maintain a safe, slower speed when boating throughout all of Clear Lake this time of year.
For questions regarding this topic, or to report in-lake hazards such as debris, floating docks, or missing or found hazard buoys, please contact the Water Resources Department at (707) 263-2344 or email at water.resources@lakecountyca.gov.