Even though Lake Lanier is a private lake, all SC Boating Laws apply. By placing your boat/PWC (Jet Ski) on the water or using one provided to you through a rental agreement, you agree to abide by these laws as set forth below and in the SC DNR Handbook. 

• SC law requires any boat operator under the age of 16 to be accompanied by an adult if operating a boat of 15 hp or more or a PWC (Jet ski) or pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education card. Here is the Boating Safety Course on the SC DNR Website. This may provide an insurance discount for anyone wishing to take it. 

• Be safe and be considerate. Be especially considerate and observant of those fishing, swimming or in non-propelled craft. No motorboat or personal watercraft shall be operated at greater than idle speed within 50 feet of a swimmer, moored boat, raft, non-propelled craft, or dock .  Wake surfing is prohibited within 200 ft of a dock, a person in the water, or an anchored watercraft. (SC Article 9  Sect. 50-21-870)

• Follow navigational rules and procedures of going counter clockwise on the water. If in doubt, keep to the right. 

• Reckless or unsafe activity by any boat or watercraft is prohibited. This includes racing, unsafe speed, coming too close to or cutting in front of other vessels, wake jumping or sudden turns that pose a danger to riders or others. 

• Non-motorized watercraft (paddleboards, kayaks, etc.) have the right-of-way but should avoid boat lanes and observe counter clockwise pattern when possible and/or stay close to shore. It is advised to stay closer to shore for safety especially in the Narrows. 

• From sunset until dawn, motorboats shall be operated at or near idle speed, using proper navigation lights at the bow and stern.  No PWC are allowed after sunset. It is illegal to ski or tube after sunset. Kayaks, canoes, and paddles boards must use navigational lights after sunset. 

• Any boat or personal watercraft towing a skier, tube, or similar device should have a qualified observer, or must have a rear view mirror affixed to the boat. It is strongly advised that only one skier, tube, or similar device be towed behind a boat or PWC due to narrow sections on the lake. 

• Ensure that your boat has all required safety equipment and flotation devices. Life jackets must be worn at all times by skiers and riders of tubes and personal watercraft. South Carolina law requires all children under 12 years of age to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD while on board a Class A (less than 16 feet long) vessel. The life jacket must be fastened and of the proper size for the child. Non-propelled crafts (including paddle boards) carry PFD requirements. Please review the Handbook, pg. 47 above for details.  

• It is illegal to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or other chemicals that impair judgment. 

• Remember you are responsible for your wake and any damage it may cause.