Wisconsin Kayak Laws

Representational Image

We must take an adventure to know where we truly belong, and kayaking is something so pure and unavoidable. Especially when it is in Wisconsin rivers, it is no less than an adventure. Being home to multiple reservoirs and rivers, Wisconsin state has a lot to offer its visitors. But the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has established a particular set of rules for kayaking. These rules are firm, and the state's government, including the person-in-charge in charge at WDNR, ensures the proper implementation of the regulations.

The beautiful state of Wisconsin is full of several water bodies, which ultimately takes your breath away. Also, According to https://tripztour.com there are multiple opportunities for the visitors to go for various activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, etc.

So let's take you through some significant kayaking rules of Wisconsin state that one should be aware of:

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) or Life Jackets:

First, it is a compulsion to have at least one wearable flotation device or life jacket of any Type from I to IV for an individual on the board while kayaking in a Wisconsin river. This thumb rule needs to be followed regardless of any boating type or boat length. Also, the PFDs in this should be easily accessible, maybe at an arm's distance. In addition to this, while boating in Wisconsin, every boat in the water, which is around 16 feet in length, need to have at least one type IV PFD which is throwable and is approved by the Coast Guard.

Some other basic PFD rules that one should take care of when in Wisconsin are mentioned below:

• The PFD should pass a certain level of correctness to be approved by the coast guards. The floating devices that are not in a proper condition are likely to be disapproved.
• The type V PFDs are considered legal only when they are worn.
• If you have your kayak in the Wisconsin waters, then every individual is bound to wear a PFD right from the beginning till the end.
• Another essential rule from WDNR is for the children. The children that are not inside the boat's cabin and are below the age of 13 years are obligated to wear a floating device all the time while in a kayak.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Some people need to know that a recreational boat operator is considered to be under the influence of alcohol if he has .08% blood alcohol content. Wisconsin state has a "Zero Tolerance" law regarding driving a vessel in an intoxicated state. The rule says that any individual who is less than 21 years old and has consumed alcohol up to a measurable level is restricted to operate and boating vessel. While boating in Wisconsin, it is highly unacceptable to use a boat or to be towed by any water device under the impact of any intoxicating substance.

Wisconsin has stringent laws regarding Operating Under Influence (OUI). It is not legal to operate a kaya while intoxicated, and these laws apply to every boat operator.

Wisconsin Boat Registration

Boat Registration at Wisconsin is considered to be an essential task. Therefore, every boat in Wisconsin waters, including the electric ones, should be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

You must also know about the vessels that are not bound to fulfil this requirement:

• Sailboats with a length less than 12 feet and have no motor fitted in them.
• Boats that are registered with some other state and are operating in Wisconsin less than 60 days consecutively

Certificate of Number

Every Boat owner must have at least a temporary Certificate of Number to operate a watercraft on the state waters of Wisconsin legally. After getting the certificate issued, it should be signed and carried on the board. The certificate should also be made available to the authorities during the inspection. The certificate issued is valid for three years, starting from April of the first year till March of the third year.

Timely information or complaint of a watercraft stolen or abandoned should be registered within 15 days with the WDNR to make the necessary changes.

Cost to Register a Boat in Wisconsin

It is pretty easy to register a boat with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. On writing a ship, one receives a Certificate of Number, assignment of boat numbers and a decal.

As per the federal and state laws, the numbers allotted to the boat must be:

• Written on both sides of the kayak
• The alphabets should be in capital at length 3 inches higher and contrasting with the boat colour.
• Along with this, the letters should be distinguished by a hyphen or just space.
• Like any other regular vehicle, it is essential for the boat to be marked correctly and for the operator to have the original documents of the registration, failing, resulting in fines and extra charges.

Personal Watercraft Laws & Regulations

In Wisconsin, even the smallest kayak or watercraft is treated differently as a big one. Personal Watercraft operators are also obliged to follow the same rules and regulations from registering the watercraft with the state to carrying the PFDs and fire extinguisher onboard.

Kindly note the additional regulations that must be followed when operating a personal watercraft in Wisconsin waters:

• One should not operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.
• When towing someone on a tube or water skis, there must be capacity on the PWC to accommodate the operator, the observer and the person being pulled.
• A Personal Watercraft should be operated at a distance of at least 100 feet from the ones which are water skiing.
• Such watercraft must be operated at the lowest speed to maintain a proper distance and balance with the other shorelines, docks, or restricted areas.