As a home to powerboats, paddlers, swimmers, fishing enthusiasts and more, Oswego Lake can be quite busy at times. Ensuring the safety of all lake users is a serious responsibility.

Our Proactive Approach to Water Safety
Over the years our safety program has evolved into an educational, training and enforcement program designed to allow each of these recreational activities to flourish in the safest way possible for all concerned. We have developed Oswego Lake specific rules and a one-of-a-kind practical driving exam for powerboat operator’s licenses. Please take advantage of the resources on this page. Or, better yet, ask one of our friendly Lake Patrolmen any questions you might have.
Safety Tip
When underway and faced with a “who has right-of-way?”, the standard rules of the road apply
generally. It’s often safer to just slow down and let the other boat pass.
Safety Videos
How to Safely Pick Up Your Rider
This short safety video details proper techniques for picking up your downed rider.
1
How to Safely Tow Tubers
Please watch this video for how to safely pull a tube behind your boat.
2
How to Navigate Safely
This short video will show you the proper technique to navigate to and from the center of the lake.
3
LOC Rules and Regulations
For the most thorough and up to date information, read through our Rules and Regulations below.
Updated: January 10, 2023
More About Water Safety
Tips for a Safe Swim
Tips for a safe swim in Oswego Lake Swimming season has arrived. As the weather warms, we are finding more people swimming, floating and playing in the open water (lake...
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