Lily Pad & Patio Dock

🟩 Lily Pad (Floating Water Mat)

Lily Pads are considered recreational gear, not boats, and are not regulated as vessels. However, safety matters—especially when children are involved.

✅ No Legal Equipment Required

• No registration
• No life jackets required by law
• No sound-producing devices or navigation lights needed

🛟 Safety Recommendations

• Always supervise children using the mat
• Encourage life jackets, especially in deeper water
• Anchor the mat to prevent drifting in wind or current
• Use only in designated swim areas or close to shore
• Avoid use in areas with boat traffic

🚫 What’s Not Allowed

• Do not tow the mat behind a boat with people on it (dangerous & illegal)
• Never block navigable channels or public access areas

🛶 Patio Dock (Floating or Platform Dock)

A Patio Dock may require more attention to local and state rules, especially if it's anchored or left in the water seasonally.

🧾 Permit Guidelines

• No permit needed if:
  • It’s less than 8 feet wide and under 300 sq. ft.
  • It’s seasonal, placed after ice-out and removed before freeze
  • It does not block navigation or neighbor access
• Larger docks or permanent installations may require a DNR permit
  

🦺 Safety Tips

• Life jackets recommended, especially for children
• Install a ladder for easy re-boarding
• Add reflectors or flags for visibility if dock is away from shore
• Add lights if used at night in boating areas

🚫 Prohibited Uses

• Do not place in boat lanes or public navigation channels
• Fires, overnight stays, and camping may be restricted by local ordinance