The Marine Board wants to ensure recreators on Lake Oswego are aware of statewide boating safety rules for operation and equipment. This is a "mixed-use" waterbody, with swimming, nonmotorized paddling, and motorboats. Each boat type has unique safety needs and equipment requirements.
- Wearable Life Jacket: All paddle craft (canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, or rafts (including their inflatable versions) need to carry a properly fitting US Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board, and the life jacket must be readily accessible. All children 12 and younger are required to wear a life jacket.
- Sound Signaling Device: All paddle craft must carry a sound signaling device, such as a whistle or a compressed air horn.
- All-Around White Light: Required when underway during periods of restricted visibility. An all-around white light, such as a flashlight, can be used for fog or darkness on paddle craft.
- Waterway Access Permit: Required to be carried by the operator of a paddle craft. Permits can be purchased through ODFW or the Marine Board's Boat Oregon Store.
- Mooring: A person may not attach their paddle craft to any navigation buoy or marker.
Paddlers should operate between the buoy line and the shoreline.
Local and Special Rules for Lake Oswego, including those applicable to motorized boat operations, can be found in OAR 250-020-0031.