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Swimming Rafts
Question: I want to place a swimming raft or water trampoline in a lake or flowage. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?
Answer: By statute, swimming rafts may not interfere with public rights in navigable waters, or interfere with the rights of other property owners. They must be placed within 200 feet of shore, and can only be placed by a waterfront property owner.
A waterfront property owner may place a swimming raft or water trampoline in a navigable waterway without obtaining a permit, if:
- The swimming raft or water trampoline is not more than 200 square feet in surface area; and
- The swimming raft or water trampoline is not more than 38 inches in height.
Larger swimming raft or water trampolines may be placed without a permit, only if they are removed from the water on a daily basis, or if they are placed in a marked swim area approved under Chapter NR 5.09, Wis. Adm. Code.
For more information, see the Swimming Raft Exemption checklist [PDF 51KB] to help you determine if your project qualifies for an exemption.
If your proposed swim raft does not meet these size limitations or exceptions, or the statutory requirements, you must apply for a Miscellaneous Structures in Waterway permit. A fee is required.
Please follow the steps below to file your application for a miscellaneous structures permit. Open and print BOTH of the following files:
Once completed, please send the application materials, including the Fee Sheet, to the county where your project is located.
Reminder
You must own the shoreline adjacent to where the swimming raft will be placed.
Notes
Structures located more than 200 feet from shore must be lit with a white light during the hours from sunset to sunrise. These structures, no matter how far from shore, should be well marked both day and night to warn boaters of the navigational hazards. Contact your local WI DNR conservation warden for lighting requirements (see Wisconsin DNR Service Center / Regional Offices).
Laws
Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.12(1)(g), 30.13 (1)(m), and 30.61(6)(a), Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Chapter NR 326, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 29KB].
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