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Boating in Wisconsin

Water-based outdoor activities are among the most popular recreation activities in Wisconsin. Abundant water resources across the state offer a wide variety of recreation options from high speed motorboating to lazy lounging at the beach. Approximately 2.5 million Wisconsin residents participate in boating, visiting a beach, or swimming in a lake or stream. The lakes and rivers of Wisconsin provide ample opportunities for water-based recreation. The Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River regions, both of which provide many miles of shoreline for water-based participants, are also popular areas for water recreation.

Register Your Boat

Visit the DNR Permitting page to register your boat

Boat Regulations

View, download and print boat regulations

Boat Safety Classes

Help us save lives by signing up and volunteering as a boating safety instructor

Reporting a boat incident

Report a crash or other boating incident

Fatality Summary & Annual Reports

Read Annual Safety Reports and Summaries

Patrol Grants

A reimbursement grant issued to Wisconsin counties or municipalities that participate in boating enforcement efforts.

Find a lake

Find a lake and launch
Find a lake

Always wear your life jacket

It doesn't work unless you Wear It!
Always wear your life jacket

Boating Safety

Boating safely in Wisconsin
Boating Safety