Waterways Ordinance Info

Read the Ordinance

A PDF Geo-Referenced (for use in apps like Avenza) Know before you go! Valley County has a new waterways ordinance that all lake users should be aware of. What does this ordinance include?

• Some exceptions apply on Lake Cascade in the Boulder Creek, Gold Fork and Lake Fork Arms as well as around islands in both Lake Cascade and Payette Lake.
• Sets 12 years old as the minimum age to operate a vessel under 15 horsepower.
• Sets 16 years old as the minimum age to operate a vessel over 15 horsepower or personal watercrafts (jet skis). Operators can be 14 years of age if they have attained an Idaho Boater Education Card or 12 years old if under the direct supervision of an adult.

General Boating Etiquette:

• Steer clear of all other lake users (motorized and non-motorized), docks and shorelines.
• Keep music volume down, especially near homes.
• Never follow behind another boat or wake-jump, especially when a boat is towing a skier, tuber, boarder or surfer.  This includes personal watercraft (jet skis).
• Limit repetitive passes along shorelines or near docks.
• When pulling a tube, do not make erratic turns near other boaters.
• Obey no-wake zones. Generally speaking, all Valley County lakes and reservoirs have a 300-foot no-wake zone.
• Be efficient, especially when loading and unloading boats at community ramps during this busy weekend.
• Give respect and get respect. We are all out here to enjoy this beautiful place safely!