KEEP IT SAFE! We love to get on the lake and feel the sun on our backs. But as this Kare 11 (Minneapolis, MN.) story reminds us, be careful when boating. Here is a young girl's story of surviving a boating accident and her words of caution to others. Tale of Survival

TUBING AND SKIING 101! Most people know how to keep their boat passengers safe, but you have to watch out for those who don't. Do you know the rules? We have a brief summary of the rules for operating a boat or a PWC ( personal watercraft) when tubing and water skiing in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and provided the links to the rules of both states. Stay safe while still having fun!

Difference in rules for boats than PWC (personal watercraft)

MN Laws

Does the state require a skier down to use a flag? No.

Describe any other water skiing restrictions: Max 150 foot tow rope without permit from county sheriff.

Water skiing and similar acts are prohibited between one hour after sunset to sunrise of the following day. There may be more restrictions on some waters through local zoning

Does the state allow PWCs to pull a skier? Yes, but there are restrictions. If you tow a person on water skis, or any other device, there must be an additional person on board the PWC to act as an observer. The skier/kneeboarder etc. must also be wearing a PFD or there must be one on board the PWC for the skier. Factory installed or factory specified wide-field rearview mirrors are allowed instead of an observer when pulling a skier or other device. After-market mirrors, stick-on mirors, motorcycle mirrors etc., do not qualify for the observer exemption.

Is PWC operation restricted within any area or zone? No operation one hr before sunset to 9:30am Slow/no wake within 150 ft of shore, swimmers, anchored boats, docks, swim rafts, and all non-motorized craft.

WI Laws

Does the state of Wisconsin require an observer to be present when pulling a skier? Yes

Does the state require a mirror to be present when pulling a skier? No observer exemption

Does the state prohibit water skiing during any time of the day? Yes, Sunset to Sunrise

Does the state require a water skier down flag? NoCannot operate a ski boat or water ski within 100 feet of PWC.

Does the state prohibit PWC operation at any time? Yes, sunset to sunrise. Does the state allow PWCs to pull a skier? Yes, but there is no towing of persons engaged in water skiing, aquaplaning, or similar activities unless the PWC is designed to seat at least 3 people. There is no limit on number of skiers.

Is there a speed limit specific to PWCs other than slow/no wake zones? No

Is PWC operation restricted within any area or zone? Yes, within 100ft of any other boat/watercraft, 200ft of any shoreline.

Link to Minnesota State Boating Rules

Link to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources “Boating Guide”

Link to Wisconsin Boating Regulations

HOW DO YOU COVER IT UP? Those beautiful chalet windows that you have in your cabin are ideal for letting the sun in and getting you closer to the beauty of your lakeplace property. You love them when you are there....but is it a good idea to have the windows uncovered when you are not at your cabin? Having all that sun shine into your lakehome while you are not there, can unnecessarily darken the wood inside and let any passerby a full view in. Your lakeplace would be more secure if people can't see in. But how do you cover those windows up when they vary in size and are so high up? We are working on ideas. Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have an idea.