With summer boating season in full swing, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Sgt. Anthony Buro of the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau are urging both locals and visitors to prioritize safety while enjoying Lake Hopatcong.
The following regulations are established under Title 13, Chapter 82 of the New Jersey Administrative Code and apply specifically to Lake Hopatcong. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of all boaters, water skiers, swimmers, and lakefront residents. Please read and adhere to all regulations while enjoying the lake.
High Water Conditions – “Slow Speed-No Wake”
A ‘Slow Speed-No Wake’ condition is automatically mandated when either of the following occurs:
- The water level reaches the Extreme High Water Level (Elevation 924.20 feet), OR
- The United States Geologic Survey (USGS) gauge #01455400 at Hopatcong State Park reads 9.5.
Boaters can check current water levels at the USGS website: https://waterdata.usgs.gov
Waterskiing Restrictions
From May 15 through September 15, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, waterskiing is prohibited between 11:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. in the following areas:
- Byram Cove
- Between Raccoon Island and Prospect Point
- Between Prospect Point and Halsey Island
- Woodport Cove
- Between Halsey Island and Raccoon Island
- Henderson Cove
- No vessel shall pull more than two skiers at any one time during these peak days/times, in any portion of Lake Hopatcong, except during sanctioned races or exhibitions.
- The towing vessel shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity (skiers count as passengers).
- While towing, maintain a minimum distance of the tow line plus 100 feet from shore, structures, other vessels, or swimmers.
- Dropping skis for barefoot or slalom skiing is prohibited unless immediately retrieved by a following vessel.
- Operators must safely and promptly return to fallen or disconnected skiers.
Wake Surfing Distance Rule
Wake surfing, unlike water skiing, requires greater distance due to safety and wake impact concerns. In accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.1(b), all power vessels engaged in wake surfing must maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet from any wharf, marina, dock, pier, bridge structure, abutment, person in the water, other vessel, shoreline, approved aid to navigation, or mooring, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.
Speed Limits
- No vessel may operate in excess of 10 mph between sunset and sunrise.
- On Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays from May 15 through September 15, the maximum speed is 30 mph.
- Do not exceed a maximum speed of 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, docks, buoys, bridges, and people in the water.
Hull Elevation Rules
Operating a vessel in a manner that causes 100% of the hull to come out of the water is considered careless operation, except during permitted marine events or authorized race tests.
These laws are enforced by the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau. Thank you for boating safely and responsibly. For emergencies, contact 9-1-1 or NJSP Lake Hopatcong Station Dispatch at: 732-899-5050 or Marine Law Enforcement on VHF Channel 16.