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Best Practices for Boating in the Watershed

by | Jun 15, 2026 | Education, Watershed Trivia

Boating on Glen Lake (photo credit: Rob Karner)
Whether you’re a year-round resident or a first-time visitor, we all share responsibility for protecting the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. The choices we make on the water and along the shoreline help ensure these lakes remain clean, healthy, and enjoyable for generations to come.

Being a good neighbor and recreator starts with simple acts of courtesy and stewardship. Enjoy your time on the water while protecting the natural resources we all depend on.

Before You Launch: Stop at the Free Boat Wash

One of the easiest and most important ways to protect Glen Lake is to make sure your trailer and watercraft are free of aquatic invasive species before entering the water. Even small amounts of plant fragments can transport invasive species between lakes. Before you launch, stop by the Glen Lake Association’s (GLA) Boat Wash.

The GLA operates a free, hot-water, power-wash decontamination station at the Day Forest Road boat launch site. This is the ONLY boat wash within the watershed.

  • Boat Wash Location: 7075 W. Day Forest Rd., just west of M22
  • Operating Hours: Staffed 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., with self-service power wash equipment available after hours
  • Dates of Operation: May-September: seven days a week, October: Friday-Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Keep Boating Safe for Everyone

To help keep the lakes safe and enjoyable, please follow these guidelines:

  • Sailboats and boats towing skiers have the right-of-way.
  • Shorelines, docks, and rafts are private property; use public access sites unless it’s an emergency.
  • Boats must travel around the lake counterclockwise.
  • Follow all posted “no wake” signs and buoys.
  • Use slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore, docks, rafts, buoys, and swimmers (200 feet for personal watercraft).
  • Stay at least 200 feet from scuba divers, indicated by “Diver Down” flags (flags are usually red with a diagonal white stripe, but could also be half-white, half-blue with a cutout).
  • Keep noise and music levels low. Sound carries across the water farther than you think!
  • Low-evening sun can create glare and hide shallow areas. Use extra caution to avoid grounding.

Important Notes on Wake Boats

Wake boats can create large waves that may damage shorelines and important aquatic vegetation. Wake boat operators should:

  • Stay at least 500 feet from shore when operating in “wake sport” mode.
  • Operate in the deep waters of Big Glen Lake, where the water is at least 20 feet deep. Little Glen and the Fisher Lakes are NOT deep enough.
  • Use a forward-facing spotter to watch for swimmers, paddlers, and other boats.
  • Drain ballast tanks before transporting your boat to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
If you and your party are boating this season, make sure everyone understands these guidelines to keep all recreators—and the environment—safe. Enjoy your time at the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed!