Boating Safety in Michigan: Laws, Tips, and Requirements Every Boater Should Know
With more than 11,000 inland lakes, boating in Michigan is a favorite summer pastime. Unfortunately, boating accidents happen—many of which are preventable. Understanding Michigan’s boating safety laws can help keep you and your loved ones safe while avoiding costly fines or legal trouble. Katie Tucker, a personal injury attorney at Sinas Dramis Law Firm in Lansing and a boat owner herself, recently shared important boating information on WILX Studio 10’s “The Legal Answer,” to help you stay safe and compliant this summer. That information is summarized below.
Life Jackets: Michigan Boating Law’s #1 Requirement
Before you leave the dock, make sure every passenger has a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Failure to wear a life jacket is a leading cause of fatalities on Michigan waterways.
Life Jacket Laws in Michigan:
- Children under 6 years old must wear a life jacket while on the deck of a boat that’s underway.
- Anyone being towed (e.g., while tubing, skiing, wakeboarding) must wear a Type I or Type II Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Life jackets must be accessible for every passenger on board.
Boating Registration and Certification
Boaters in Michigan must follow specific state registration and certification requirements.
Boat Registration: All motorized boats in Michigan must be registered with the Secretary of State, and the registration number must be clearly displayed on the bow.
Boating Safety Certificate Requirements:
- Born on or after July 1, 1996? You need a boating safety certificate to operate any recreational motorized boat.
- Born on or after December 31, 1978? You must have a certificate to operate a personal watercraft (like a Jet Ski).
You can earn your Michigan boating safety certificate through in-person classes approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or via online courses, such as BoatEd.com. Visit the Michigan Secretary of State or DNR website to find a class near you.
Other Michigan Boating Safety Laws
Beyond registration and certification, safe boating practices are essential. Some of the most important rules to follow for boating safely in Michigan:
- Obey all no-wake zones
- Keep at least 100 feet away from shorelines, swimming areas, other boats, towed skiers or tubers
- Do not operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol—it’s illegal in Michigan
- Maintain a safe speed and ensure you can stop within a clear distance
Violating these laws may result in fines, jail time, license suspension, or worse—injury or fatality.
Injured in a Boating Accident in Michigan?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence on the water, you may be entitled to compensation. At Sinas Dramis Law Firm, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case. Whether it’s a boating collision, personal injury, or wrongful death due to unsafe boating behavior, our experienced legal team can assess your legal rights.
Contact Sinas Dramis Law Firm at 866.758.0031 or complete our free personal injury consultation form.