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Courtesy Patrols

The Megunticook Watershed Association (MWA) provides courtesy boat patrols on Megunticook Lake and Norton Pond to encourage safe and respectful recreation. Our watershed patrol program includes:

  • Outreach and education to encourage safe boating practices

  • Installing and maintaining buoys and markers

  • Helping with cleanup and stewardship of public spaces, such as Barrett’s Cove, the Town of Camden picnic areas on Land’s End, and Breezemere Park

Emergency Contact Information

While MWA is happy to help with lake issues and respond as a good samaritan, it is important to contact appropriate authorities in the event of an emergency or to report law-breaking activity. Emergency contact information is below:

***In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

Boater Safety Laws

Boating regulations are in place for a variety of very good reasons, including to protect lake water quality, to protect wildlife, to be a respectful neighbor, and in many cases, to prevent injury or death. There is a link to all Maine boater laws below, but we would like to bring special attention to the following:

  • Boating Safety Certificate Requirements: Beginning January 1, 2024, a person born on or after January 1, 1999, may not operate a motorboat greater than twenty-five (25) horsepower for recreational boating purposes on inland waters of this State or territorial waters, unless that person is 12 years of age or older and has completed a boater safety and education course. These persons must possess and present a boater safety and education course certificate for inspection upon request to a law enforcement officer. Education course information may be found here.

  • Headway Speed/Water Safety Zones: Please observe all marked headway speed zones and do not exceed headway speed within 200 feet of any shoreline. This is for both safety and to reduce environmental damage associated with erosion from excessive wakes.

  • PFDs, Including on Kayaks and Paddle Boards: Remember to always have Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each person on board your vessel. PFDs must be readily accessible and properly sized for passengers. Note: paddle-boards, kayak, and canoes are considered vessels and passengers must also have PFDs!

  • Wildlife: It is illegal to chase, harass, or harm protected wildlife, including loons and eagles.

  • Moorings: Remember Maine laws prohibit placing moorings in a location that impedes access to a public boat launch. 

Important Links