Boating is not permitted in the vicinity of Spaulding Dam. A line of "no boat" buoys extending eastward from the shoreline at Dallman Power Plant to the opposite bank places this area off-limits to boats.

All boats and other types of watercraft propelled, kept or used on the lake's reservoir, or stored or kept on the marginal land, must be registered and licensed in accordance with City of Springfield and State of Illinois requirements.

For more information about boating on Lake Springfield, select any of the underlined topics below. If a topic is not underlined, it is not yet accessible. The CWLP website is undergoing continuous updating and expansion, so if the subject you are interested in is not yet available, please check back soon.

BOAT LAUNCHES AND DOCKS
WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
LICENSING FEES
BOATING RULES
BOATING SAFETY CLASSES
BOAT RENTALS

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Boat Launches and Docks: There are five public boat launches located around Lake Springfield at:

I-55, exit 88 (Lake Springfield Marina Boat Launch)

Lindsay Bridge

Marine Point (for small boats, wave runners,
          windsurfers and canoes)

Center Park (north of the Beach House; particularly
          suited for sailboats)

Spaulding Dam

In addition to these launches, there are also public boat docking areas at six of the lake-area parks: East and West Tom Madonia Parks, Lake Park, Bridgeview Park, West Cottonhill Park, and the Wildlife Sanctuary (near the shelter). For a map showing the location of these parks, click here.

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Boat Registration and Licensing: All watercraft used, kept or stored on Lake Springfield or its marginal lands must be registered and licensed in accordance with both City of Springfield and State of Illinois requirements. You can register and license your boat/craft for use on Lake Springfield at the Lindsay Bridge Boat Licensing Station, Lake Springfield Marina, or The Boat Dock. The Lindsay Bridge station is open seven days a week, April - October from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Lake Springfield Marina (located at #17 Waters Edge Boulevard) issues licenses seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., during the same period. The Boat Dock, a watercraft sales and service center located at 4600 Rising Moon Road, registers boats and conducts safety inspections March-September from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday-Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

To register your boat/craft for use on Lake Springfield, you must have a valid boat license from the State of Illinois or be able to show proof that such a license has been applied for. You must also verify your current address by showing a valid driver's license or other photo ID. In addition, you will be required to complete an application detailing the length of your boat/craft and the horsepower rating of any motor or engine. Licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year and must be renewed annually. If you sell your boat/craft prior to the license expiration, that license shall be considered null and void and the new owner will be required to re-register the boat before it can be used on the lake again.

When your license is granted, you will be issued an official registration number plate or marker, which must be conspicuously and uniformly displayed on the boat. Licenses will be granted according to the boat/craft's classification:

In addition to standard licenses, special permits allowing limited lake access are also available. These include:

For additional information about Lake Springfield boat registration and licensing, call the Watercraft Registration Office at (217) 786-4075 or the CWLP Security Headquarters at (217) 757-8600. For information on state watercraft registration regulations, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources by calling (217) 782-2138 or by clicking here.

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Licensing Fees: The following schedule details the annual fees charged to boat/craft owners registering their boat/craft for use or storage on Lake Springfield. Fees are based on the boat/craft's classification and on the owner's place of residence. No fee prorations are allowed; the full fee will be charged, regardless of how close to its March 31 expiration date the license is issued.

For additional information about Lake Springfield boat registration and licensing, call the Watercraft Registration Office at (217) 786-4075 or the CWLP Security Headquarters at (217) 757-8600.

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Boating Rules: The following rules must be observed at all times by persons operating or storing boats/craft on Lake Springfield. Anyone found to be violating these rules will be considered guilty of a misdemeanor(s) and may be fined up to $750 per violation. (In certain cases, detailed below, violators may be charged with felony conduct.) Additional penalties, including the revocation of registration privileges, may also be assessed.

Registration and Licensing: All boats/craft used, kept or stored on Lake Springfield or its marginal lands must be registered and licensed in accordance with all City of Springfield and State of Illinois requirements.

Mast Height Limitations: Boats/craft with mast heights in excess of 35 feet may be used, kept or stored only on the central basin or on central basin marginal land.

Access Restrictions: Boating is not permitted in the vicinity of Spaulding Dam. A line of "no boat" buoys extending eastward from the shoreline at Dallman Power Plant to the opposite bank places this area off-limits to boats.

Operator Age: In order to operate a motorboat on Lake Springfield you must be at least ten years old. If you are between the ages of ten and 12, you may operate a motorboat only if you are accompanied on the boat and under the direct control of your parent/guardian (or an aged 18+ designee of your parent/guardian).  If you are at least 12 but less than 18 years old, you may operate a motorboat only if you: (1) are accompanied on the boat and under the direct control of your parent/guardian (or an aged 18+ designee of your parent/guardian); or (2) possess a boating safety certificate issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Section, which authorizes you to operate motorboats. No person under the age of 18 may be on the lake between midnight and 5 a.m. without a parent/guardian. Regardless of age, all operators of watercraft on Lake Springfield must comply with State of Illinois requirements for registration and safety equipment.

Intoxication: Illinois law prohibits watercraft operation by any person under the influence of alchohol, other drugs or any combination of those substances. Violation of this law will be treated as a Class A misdemeanor, Class 4 felony or Class 3 felony, depending on the violator's past record or the extent to which the violation results in bodily injury or death to another individual.

Muffling Equipment: All motors must be equipped with a muffler to prevent noise and smoke. Motor and internal engine exhaust gases should be discharged underwater or should be muffled to ensure that the gases are no noisier or annoying than those of similarly powered internal combustion engines with underwater exhausts. Muffler cutouts are not permitted.

Speed Limits: Top allowable speed on Lake Springfield is 35 mph. From sunset to sunrise, the maximum speed is 15 mph. When within 200 feet of the shoreline, while going under bridges or if passing within 75 yards of a diver's flag, the maximum speed is 5 mph. When within 200 feet of a public launching ramp or bridge, "no wake" speed (5 mph or less, depending on boat type) must be maintained. (Wake is defined as the movement of water created by a boat underway if that movement is great enough to disturb a boat at rest.)

Diver's Flags: In addition to observing speed limits in the vicinity of diver's flags, boats should stay at least 50 yards away from diver's flags. A diver's flag is a red square or rectangular flag with white diagonal stripe, measuring at least 12 inches by 12 inches, which is visible for 360 degrees. It is to be displayed by the operator of any watercraft whenever anyone leaves the confines of that craft to enter the water while the craft's motor is still running.

Racing: No unauthorized racing is allowed on Lake Springfield.

Operating Care: Boats/craft should be operated with reasonable care at all times to avoid endangering life and property. At no time should any watercraft be operated at such a speed or in such proximity to another watercraft as to cause either operator to have to swerve to avoid collision. When a motorboat is underway, occupants may not sit on the gunwales, on tops of seat backs, or in the decking over the bow or stern. While underway, occupants also may not stand in any boat or craft unless their center of gravity is below the level of the gunwales or guard rails or unless the boat or craft is specifically designed for standing operation.

Water Skiing and Other Recreational Towing Activities: The following rules must be observed by any watercraft being used to tow a water skier, aquaplaner, tuber, surfboarder or any other person using a similar type of device:

(1) Any watercraft towing a water skier or person on an aquaplane, tube or other similar device must have a minimum capacity of three persons and be occupied by at least two competent persons (one of whom must be designated as the "observer").

(2) Towing or assisting water skiers is allowed only in the period from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

(3) Water skiing and other types of recreational towing are not permitted in the vicinity of Spaulding Dam. A line of "no boat" buoys establishes this area as being off limits to water activities of any kind. Nor is recreational towing permitted within 200 feet of any portion of the lake's shoreline, except in lanes authorized for the express purpose of entering or exiting the main body of the lake. Such activity is also prohibited in areas posted as beaches and boat harbors, under bridges, and within a 1000-foot radius of public boat launches.

Personal Flotation Devices: (1) All boats must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II or III (or the equivalent) personal flotation device aboard for each person. (2) With the exception of canoes and kayaks, boats 16 feet or more in length must be equipped with one extra Type IV personal flotation device in addition to those required for each passenger aboard the boat. (3) A U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V personal flotation device may be carried in lieu of Type I, II, III or IV personal flotation devices if the Type V personal flotation device is approved for the activity in which it is being used. (4) All persons aged 15 and under, as well as all non-swimmers, are required to wear personal flotation devices at all times. 

Flotation Device Definitions
Type I	personal flotation devices are designed to turn unconscious persons in the water from a face-downward position to a vertical or slightly backward position. Type I flotation devices must have at least 21 pounds of buoyancy.
Type II	personal flotation devices also are designed to turn unconscious persons in the water from a face downward position to a vertical or slightly backward position. Type II flotation devices require at least 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
Type III	personal flotation devices are designed to keep conscious persons in a vertical or slightly backward position. These devices also must have at least 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
Type IV	personal flotation devices are designed to be thrown to a person in the water, rather than worn. Type IV devices must have at least 16.5 pounds of buoyancy.
Type V	personal flotation devices are approved for restricted use and are acceptable only when used in activities for which they are approved.

Lighting Equipment: Any boat operated on Lake Springfield between sunset and sunrise must have some type of lighting equipment. Specific requirements are as follows:

Between sunset and sunrise, motorboats less than 26 feet long must display a (1) white light visible for two miles mounted on the rear of the craft; and (2) a combination light – green on the right side and red on the left side – mounted on the front of the boat in a position that is lower than the white light. The combination light must be screened so that the green light is visible from the right only and the red light is visible from the left only.

Motorboats that are longer than 26 feet should carry the additional lights required by the U.S. Coast Guard for that specific boat size and type.

Lighting requirements for sailboats depend on the boat's size and its method of locomotion. When a sailboat equipped with motors is being propelled partly or solely by that motor(s), the boat operator must follow lighting rules for motorboats. When a sailboat of less than 26 feet in length is propelled by sail between sunset and sunrise (whether or not the boat is equipped with a motor), the operator may use combination running lights only. When a sailboat of 26 feet or longer is propelled by sail between sunset and sunrise (whether or not the boat is equipped with a motor), suitably screened colored side lights must be used. These boats do not have to display the white lights required for motorboats.

Boats propelled by muscle power must carry a lantern or flashlight that emits white light visible for two miles. This light should not be attached to the craft, but must be displayed if other craft approach to help avoid collisions.

When serving a larger boat, dinghies, tenders and other watercraft should carry a flashlight visible to other craft in the area. When not serving a larger craft, they must follow lighting rules for boats of their class.

Other Safety Devices: All boats must be equipped with a paddle or oar, a pump or bailer, and an anchor with at least 50 feet of anchor line. In addition, every motorboat:

(1) must be equipped with at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher.

(2) must be equipped with a horn or whistle capable of producing a two-second blast audible for at least a half-mile. It is, however, unlawful for any person, except designated patrolmen, to use a motorboat equipped with a siren or red or blue flashing light.

(3) with storage batteries must have the batteries suitably supported to secure against shifting while the boat is in motion. To avoid accidental shorting of battery terminals, storage batteries must also be equipped with non-conductive shielding.

Personal Watercraft Operation: In addition to following general boating safety rules outlined throughout this section, operators of personal watercraft (e.g., jetskis) are prohibited from:

weaving through congested traffic at other than idle speed;

jumping the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of the vessel or whenever the visibility of either watercraft operator is otherwise obstructed;or

operating the craft between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

Overnight Occupancy: No boat registered on Lake Springfield may be used for overnight occupancy or permanent lodging.

Toilet Facilities: No marine head (toilet) on any watercraft used upon Lake Springfield may be installed and operated in a way that permits the discharge of any sewage into the water directly or indirectly.  Toilet facilities must be pumped out at an appropriate sewage disposal station.

Littering/Pollution: Littering or discharging oil or other pollutants into the lake is not permitted.

Disturbing the Peace: Boats, horns, stereos or sound systems should not be operated in such a way as to disturb the peace.

Boating Accidents: Any watercraft operator involved in a boating accident in which a person is injured or property is damaged must give others involved in the accident his name, address and boat description. If the accident results in injury to a person or property damage in excess of $500, an accident report must also be filed with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and CWLP Security. Accidents resulting in loss of life or serious personal injury must be reported within 48 hours. All other injuries must be reported within five days. Other responsibilities of the watercraft operator or owner in the event of an accident include:

(1) The operator should try to help anyone else involved in the accident as long as doing so does not threaten the safety of the operator, his passengers or his craft.

(3) If a person is struggling in the water at an accident scene, the boat operator should seek assistance either by: sounding a short blast on the boat horn, by waving both arms and holding up a life jacket, or by calling for assistance on Channel 9 of a CB radio. An attempt to rescue the person in the water should be made only if the rescuer is wearing a life jacket, if the rescue boat is anchored, and if there is another person in the boat (or on another nearby boat) to keep other watercraft away from the rescue area.

Boating Safety Classes: Boating safety classes certified by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are available to Illinois boaters of all ages.  Persons who successfully complete a DNR-certified boating safety class will earn a certificate from the State of Illinois.  Possession of this certificate is required for anyone between the ages of 12-18 who wishes to operate a watercraft solo on an Illinois waterway.

Boating safety classes are available from a variety of sources throughout the state.  In Springfield/Sangamon County, two of the best known are sponsored by CWLP and the Land of Lincoln Power Squadron.

The CWLP-sponsored boating safety class is called the Kwedar Safe Boating Clinic. For more than twenty years, the utility and the Department of Natural Resources have teamed to offer this free one-day course twice each spring. Classes are normally held in March and April at either the Bridgeview Park Building or the Lake Springfield Beach House. They are geared toward persons aged 12 and older. Participants who successfully complete the course will earn a DNR safe boating certificate, which is required for youths aged 12-18 who wish to pilot a boat alone on Illinois waterways. For more information about the Kwedar Safe Boating Clinic, contact the CWLP Security Office Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m, email the Public Information Office or check the What's News section of this website for announcements of upcoming clinics.

The Land of Lincoln Power Squadron's safe boating course is a four-session class held two evenings per week for two weeks. The 2008 classes will begin April 22, April 28, June 3, and June 9.  In addition, the Power Squad will offer three two-hour seminars for more experienced boaters: How To Use a Chart, May 13; Using GPS, May 20; and Using Marine Radio, May 27. For more information, call (217) 691-8386 or email lovekamp@insightbb.com.
 

Boat Rentals and Supplies: Watercraft rentals and supplies are available at the new privately owned and operated Lake Springfield Marina. The Marina, which includes public boat launching facilities, private rental slips, a watercraft repair service, a convenience store, and fuel pumps, is located off I-55 (exit 88), southwest of the I-55 bridge, near the junction of Sugar and Lick Creeks. For more information about the marina or its services, call (217) 483-DOCK (3625), visit www.lakespringfieldmarina.com or email info@lakespringfieldmarina.com.

Last update : 02/22/08

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