Before You Launch: Lake Hopatcong Boating Safety Reminders

June 10, 2025| Community, Recreation, Safety

By: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau

With the boating season underway, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Sgt. Anthony Buro from the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau want to remind everyone—whether you live here or are visiting—to follow some important safety rules on Lake Hopatcong.

These regulations are set under New Jersey law (Title 13, Chapter 82) and are here to keep everyone safe—boaters, skiers, swimmers, and lake neighbors alike. Below is a quick rundown of the main points to keep in mind when you’re out on the water this summer.

High Water Conditions – “Slow Speed-No Wake”

A 'Slow Speed-No Wake' condition is automatically mandated when either of the following occurs: the water level reaches the Extreme High Water Level (Elevation 924.20 feet), OR the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauge #01455400 at Hopatcong State Park reads 9.5. 

Boaters can check current water levels at the USGS website: waterdata.usgs.gov

Waterskiing Restrictions

From May 15 through September 15, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, waterskiing is prohibited between 11 am and 5 pm in the following areas: Byram Cove, Between Raccoon Island and Prospect Point, between Prospect Point and Halsey Island, Woodport Cove, between Halsey Island and Raccoon Island, and Henderson Cove.

• No vessel shall pull more than two skiers at any one time during these peak days/times, in any portion of Lake Hopatcong, except during sanctioned races or exhibitions.
• The towing vessel shall not exceed the manufacturer's recommended capacity (skiers count as passengers).
• While towing, maintain a minimum distance of the tow line plus 100 feet from shore, structures, other vessels, or swimmers.
• Dropping skis for barefoot or slalom skiing is prohibited unless immediately retrieved by a following vessel.
• Operators must safely and promptly return to fallen or disconnected skiers.

Wake Surfing Distance Rule

Wake surfing, unlike water skiing, requires greater distance due to safety and wake impact concerns. In accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.1(b), all power vessels engaged in wake surfing must maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet from any wharf, marina, dock, pier, bridge structure, abutment, person in the water, other vessel, shoreline, approved aid to navigation, or mooring, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

Speed Limits

• No vessel may operate in excess of 10 mph between sunset and sunrise.
• On Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays from May 15 through September 15, the maximum speed is 30 mph.
• Do not exceed a maximum speed of 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, docks, buoys, bridges, and people in the water.

Hull Elevation Rules

Operating a vessel in a manner that causes 100% of the hull to come out of the water is considered careless operation, except during permitted marine events or authorized race tests.

The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau enforces all these regulations on Lake Hopatcong. Following the rules helps keep everyone safe and protects our lake.

If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 or reach the NJSP Lake Hopatcong Dispatch at 732-899-5050. You can also contact Marine Law Enforcement on VHF Channel 16.

Keep these rules in mind and have a great—and safe—summer on the water!