As our lake has gotten busier over the last few years, it is time to renew our focus on boating safety and etiquette on Lake Carroll. Follow these basic safety tips and enjoy Lake Carroll with family and friends.
For more information and boat safety courses visit: myfwc.com/boating/safety-education
In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.
Use and maintain the right safety equipment. Have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board and one approved throwable device for any boat 16 feet and longer.
Boating on Lake Carroll
White Sand Beach area and the canals are considered a “NO WAKE ZONE.” For safety of other boats and swimmers, enter and exit at a slow, safe speed. See map of the lake below.
Always boat on Lake Carroll in a counterclockwise direction.
Life jackets must be worn by all personal watercraft riders and skiers.
Check the boat traffic on the lake. If there are too many boats pulling skiers/tubes, then wait until a few skiers are done with their runs. The fewer boats operating with skiers on the lake, the safer it will be. Mornings and evenings are typically times with fewer boats on the water.
Never allow passengers to ride on the bow area of a boat, gunwales or outside of protective railings/seats, including the front of a pontoon boat. A sudden turn, stop or start could cause a fall overboard.
The main rule we see broken is boaters & PWCs (jet skis) following other boats pulling skiers/tubes entirely too close. Never follow directly behind another watercraft. PLEASE GIVE SKIERS and TUBES SPACE.
Pulling Skiers (skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, tubing)
All skiers/wakeboarders/surfers should wear a coast guard approved life jacket.
Use a spotter and/or a large mirror and be aware of other boats in your area.
Keep your skier a safe distance from all docks, boats, structures, paddleboarders, kayakers, etc.
Avoid Power Turns: when a skier falls, make sure to come off the throttle and slowly turn/approach your skier. This is unsafe and throws more wakes throughout the lake. The only time a power turn is recommended is if you are in a busy area with approaching boats or a skier could be injured.
Boating Etiquette Tips
When wakesurfing or driving a larger boat that can create a large wake: it is recommended to stay a greater distance from structures or shorelines, other boats, paddleboards, kayaks. This allows your wake to dissipate before impacting the shore & docks.
Avoid close passes to other boats, paddleboards, kayaks and docks.
Keep music at a responsible level; sound travels much farther than you think on the water, and loud music can ruin other boaters’ and homeowners’ peace and quiet.
Finally, be aware of how your wake is affecting others. In addition to other boaters, docks and shoreside properties, this applies to other watersports enthusiasts too. When you pick up a downed rider, do not remain at surfing speed and make a big looping turn back toward the person in the water.
Please share these safety and driving tips with others on Lake Carroll, including boaters that are not in Original Carrollwood.
Follow these basic tips and everyone will enjoy their time on the water we share.
Share the water responsibly & watch your wake.
