March 27. By Dave Vieser. Boaters are hopeful the Lake Norman Marine Commission’s (LNMC) new Boat Rental Regulations have improved safety on the lake. There was one fatality in 2024 related to an unlicensed boat rental company.
Why it matters
Lake Norman, the largest lake in North Carolina, saw 28 boating-related deaths between 2012 and 2023, making it one of the deadliest bodies of water statewide.
Johnson
Quotable
“We are hoping that the 2024 figures turn out to be more than just a one-year blip” said John Johnson, vice chairman of the LNMC.
“I would like to think that this was the result of an integrated approach of good efforts among many to comply with the new laws, along with outreach to the public and enforcement by all four counties, especially at boat ramps in Mecklenburg County,” the Cornelius resident said.
The new regulations require that rental boats adhere to a list of requirements or they would be subject to a possible $500 fine per incident. The new measures include vessel safety checks, permits for each rental boat, liability insurance minimums, and renter training/familiarization requirements.
Background
Prior to Jan. 1, 2024, there were no regulations which specifically addressed rental boat operations on Lake Norman. A review of lake incidents for the period from 2018 through 2023 showed that as many as half of the fatalities on the lake involved rental boats.
Details
• Maintain minimum $500,000 liability insurance for rental use
• Rental boat must pass Vessel Safety Check/Inspection
• Provide renter/operator with instruction on rules/regulations, boat operation, and boating on Lake Norman (no wake zones etc.)
• Utilize Pre-rental checklist during rental process (maintain signed copy on vessel)
There is a $2 vessel registration fee which is good for two years, to cover administrative costs.
How to apply for a permit
The easiest is to apply on line at the Lake Norman Marine Commission website: www.lnmc.org. Just complete the online application, upload the required supporting documents, and pay the registration fee ($2 per vessel). Another method is to print out the Rental Boat Application Form, complete it, scan it and email it along with copies of all supporting documents.
How will this be enforced?
In the event that a rental boat is stopped by Lake Patrol or NC Wildlife, and it is determined the new regulations haven’t been followed (such as no documentation on board the vessel) the rental company/individual could be cited and fined. Violations are subject to a fine of civil penalty of $500 per incident.
