Rules & Regulations

Boating

Registration & Certification

• All motorized watercraft must be registered with the NH Division of Motor Vehicles.
• Operators born after January 1, 1975 must carry a valid NH Boating Education Certificate (or equivalent) while operating a motorized vessel.
• Out-of-state registrations are honored for up to 60 days.

Speed & Wake

• Maximum speed limit on NH public waters: 45 mph.
• No-wake zone: All vessels must operate at slow, no-wake speed within 150 feet of shore, docks, swimmers, or moored watercraft.
• Vessels towing a person on water skis, a tube, or similar device must have a spotter in addition to the operator.

Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis)

• PWC operators must be at least 16 years old.
• PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
• All persons on a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
• No jumping the wake of another vessel within 100 feet.

Life Jackets

• A Coast Guard–approved life jacket is required on board for each person.
• Children under 12 must wear a properly fitting life jacket at all times while on a vessel underway.
• A throwable device (Type IV) is required on boats 16 feet or longer.

Alcohol

• Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal under NH RSA 265-A:2.
• BUI (Boating Under the Influence) carries the same penalties as DUI.

Fishing

• A valid NH Freshwater Fishing License is required for anyone 16 years of age and older.
• Size and bag limits apply to all species — consult the current NH Fishing Digest for specifics.
• Live baitfish may only be used if legally obtained in NH or legally imported.
• It is illegal to use a baitfish species not native to the water body being fished.

Invasive Species

• It is illegal to transport aquatic plants or animals on public roads in New Hampshire (NH RSA 487:16).
• All watercraft, trailers, and equipment must be cleaned of aquatic vegetation before and after use on Big Island Pond.
• Introducing non-native plants or animals to NH waters is prohibited.

Shoreline & Wetlands

• A Shoreland Protection Act permit may be required for work within 250 feet of a public water body (NH RSA 483-B).
• Cutting vegetation, filling, or altering the shoreline without a permit may be illegal and harmful to water quality.
• Consult NH DES before undertaking any construction or landscaping near the water.

Fireworks

• Consumer fireworks are illegal in New Hampshire without a permit from the State Fire Marshal's office.
• The community fireworks display is professionally organized — do not attempt to launch private fireworks from your property or from the water.

Useful Contacts