FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BOATING ON MIRROR LAKE
This information is for Canoes, Kayaks and
SUP (standup paddle boards) only.
It is the responsibility of the owner and/or operator to be up to date with the most current laws
and local regulations when operating a watercraft.
Q. Do I need to have a PFD (personal floatation device), also known as a life jacket, when I
boat on Mirror Lake? (1547.25 & 1547.24)
Yes, All vessels less than 16’ in length, all canoes and kayaks of any length are required
to have one Type I, II, III or V wearable PFD (personal floatation devices) per person on
board anytime the watercraft is underway.
All persons less than 10 years of age onboard a vessel less than 18 feet in length must
wear a USCG approved PFD at all times.
All PFDs must be:
○ USCG (United States Coast Guard) approved;
○ Appropriate size for the wearer;
○ Good and serviceable condition;
○ Readily accessible if not required to be worn. Type V inflatable PFD are
specialized and not approved for all ages of operators and types of boating
activities, read the label before selecting this type of PFD for any boating activity.
Q. Do I have to have a PFD on my paddle board? (1547.25)
Yes, you must have a Type I, II, III or V (check label). On vessels less than 18 feet in
length, any child less than 10 years of age must wear a USCG approved flotation device
at all times.
Q. What is Ohio’s law regarding operating under the influence of alcohol and or drugs
(1547.11 & 1547.111)
No person is allowed to operate or give permission to operate under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. Ohio’s limit for impairment is 0.08 BAC (blood alcohol content) level
for persons who are of legal drinking age. For anyone under 21 the BAC level is 0.02.
Q. Is the Ohio Boating License required to operate my boat on Mirror lake? (1547.05)
No, since only canoes, kayaks and SUP are permitted on Mirror Lake in Ohio, only those
born on or after January 1, 1982 must successfully complete a boater safety course
approved by the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft in order to operate a motorized
vessel greater than 10hp. Boaters are required to carry their boater education certificate as
proof of boater education.
○ If operating outside the state of Ohio, always check with that state for their
requirements regarding a Boaters license.
Q. I live out of state, can I operate my canoe, kayak or SUP on Mirror lake?
Yes, if you are in compliance with your states registration requirements you can operate
on the waters of the state of Ohio for no more than 60 consecutive days without
registering in Ohio. Don’t forget, you do need to follow all other regulations when
operating a watercraft in the State of Ohio.
Q. Do I need to register my watercraft? (1547.53 & 1547.531 & & 1547.54 & 1547.57 OAC
1501:47-1-07)
Yes, Registrations are required for every watercraft in Ohio, including powerboats,
canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and inflatable boats. The exceptions are: Sailboards,
kiteboards, paddleboards and belly boats or float tubes who are exempt from registering
and titling.
○ There are two options for registering hand powered vessels; a regular registration,
you would typically see displaying OH-1234-AB along with two tags or Alternate
Registration for hand powered vessels which does not require the display of “OH”
numbers.
○ If you register your canoe or kayak with the alternate registration option you will
display two rectangular tags on your watercraft. Boaters with the alternate
registration have 72 hours to produce the valid registration certificate.
Q. When does my registration expire? (1547.54)
Watercraft registrations are good for three years. They expire on March 1 the year the
registration expires. There are several methods/locations to renew.
○ Click this link to learn more on how to register your recreational boat.
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/
portal/gov/odnr-core/divisions/parks-wc/related-resource/register-your-boat
Q. I just bought a used canoe or kayak. Can I operate it until I put the registration in my
name?
No, the previous owner must complete the “transfer” section on the back of the
registration to you or provide you with a bill of sale with the appropriate information to
put the registration in your name before operating. If there is time remaining on the
registration the cost is prorated.
Q. Am I required to carry a sound producing device when operating on Mirror Lake?
(1501:47-2-33?)
No
Q. Am I required to carry an anchor and line on board when operating on Mirror Lake?
(1501:47-1-11 & 1547.26)
No
Q. Can my child operate a canoe, kayak or SUP on Mirror Lake? (547.06)
Yes
○ If your child is 12 years of age or older they may operate unsupervised.
○ If your child is under twelve years of age, he or she can operate a manually
propelled watercraft under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person
who is eighteen years of age or older (the supervising person does not have to be
on board).
Q. I have a small outboard motor or electric motor on my watercraft, can I leave it on my
vessel even if I raise the motor?
No, all motors must be removed when operating on Mirror Lake.
Q. I have a canoe, the capacity plate shows 3 persons or 1000 lbs. Can I carry 4 people if
under 1000 lbs? (1547.39 & 1547.40)
No, you can not exceed either number. Also remember when calculating weight to
include all items on board, not just the person's weight.
○ The boat's capacity plate gives the max weight and/or number of people the boat
can carry safely. It is also illegal to remove a capacity plate.
○ In some cases, smaller boats do not have a capacity plate. You can use the Boat
capacity calculator to determine the number of people. Keep in mind this is for an
average person of 150 lbs.
○ Boat Capacity Calculator If your boat i.e. canoe doesn’t have a Capacity Plate,
you can calculate the number of people you can safely take onboard using the
following equation and calculator. Number of people = vessel length (ft.) x vessel
width (ft.) ÷ 15 First, find out the length and width of your boat in feet, then use a
calculator to find out your boat's capacity.
Q. I am borrowing a canoe, kayak or SUP to try out from a friend, do I need to follow all
Ohio’s laws?
Yes, all rules must be followed. The owner of the watercraft must provide you with proof
that the watercraft is being loaned to you i.e. current registration which is in their name.
The same would apply if you rented or leased a watercraft to try before buying. The
Owner in this case may have a dealers registration and number instead of the regular or
alternative registration that you would typically see.
Q. When am I required to report a boating accident? (1547.10 & 1547.59 & 1501:47-1-09)
Call 911 if there is an emergency.
A “boating accident” report is required when one or more of the following occur:
○ Loss of life
○ Personal injury requires medical treatment beyond first aid
○ Actual physical damage to property, including watercraft, in excess of five
hundred dollars, or
○ Disappearance of an occupant
Use the required form provided by ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft.
○ To obtain a form, contact any ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft office, or
download the form from the ODNR website.
○ Send the completed report to: ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft. 2045
Morse Road, Building C. Columbus, OH 43229-6693
The majority of boating related incidents and fatalities are caused by:
○ NOT wearing a lifejacket or PFD
○ Falling overboard
○ Capsizing
○ Swamping and sinking
Safety Tips:
○ Never stand up in your canoe or kayak.
○ Always use 3 points of contact when entering and exiting your canoe or kayak.
Help us maintain a clean and healthy Mirror Lake
○ Please don’t litter
○ Check for visible Aquatic Nuisance Species (aquatic plants and animals) on your boat
before launching
○ Never dump live bait into any lake/waterway.
BOAT SAFE … BOAT OHIO
