Be safe out there!

Using kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and Sunfish sailboats in Wellfleet Harbor (or anywhere on the Outer Cape) can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, provided you follow safety guidelines and local regulations. Here are some tips and rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water:
BASIC SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Bug spray is optional, but recommended.
• Wear shoes. Oyster shells are SHARP and will cut your feet if you step on them. If boating in the Bay or ocean, wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet. 
• Always have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard your vessel. It's essential for your safety and required by law. (You do not have to wear the life jacket, but you need to have it on the boat with you.)
• Know the locations of nearby emergency services, such as rescue boats or harbormaster stations, in case you need assistance. The Wellfleet Harbormaster’s phone number is 508-349-0320. 
• Before heading out, check the local weather forecast. Avoid going out in bad weather or rough water conditions. (Jack’s will gladly extend your reservation at no charge if the weather keeps you from getting out to enjoy your boats.)
•  Use designated boat launch sites in Wellfleet Harbor such as Mayo Beach, Powers Landing, or Indian Neck Beach. Please do not launch from private property or restricted areas.
• Stay close to shore if you are inexperienced. Keep an eye out for larger boats and always give them the right of way. 
• Know where the designated navigation channels are (between the red and green buoys). As much as possible, avoid boating in the navigation channels. When crossing a navigation channel, look both ways before crossing, defer to any boats moving in the channel, and when clear, cross the channel as quickly as possible. 

TIDES

• Be aware of the tide schedule where you are boating. The tides on the Outer Cape are large and come in/recede quickly. The Wellfleet tide chart is here.
• Plan your trip according to the tide charts to avoid getting stranded. As a rule of thumb, the two-and-a-half or three hours before and after high tide are the best times to have a boat on the water anywhere in the Bay/Harbor.
• If leaving your boats on shore for any period of time, be sure to leave them ABOVE the high tide line, or else secure them to some fixed object with a rope so that they do not float away. 
• If you need an anchor to secure your boat(s), Jack’s can lend you an anchor.

LOCAL REGULATIONS AND ETIQUETTE:

•  Do not leave boats on the dune grass when you are not using them. It is illegal, damages the eco-system, and the Harbormaster may fine you for doing so.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural habitat. Do not touch or otherwise interfere with turtles, seals, crabs, baby birds, or any other wildlife. If you encounter an animal in distress, call WildCare at 508-240-2255, or the Audubon Wellfleet Bay hotline at 508-349-2615, Option 2. 
•  Be aware of and avoid restricted or private areas. Do not trespass on private property unless it is a true emergency. Follow all local signs and notices.
• Leave No Trace. Take all your trash with you and keep the beaches, ponds, and the Harbor/Bay clean.​

WATER SKIING and TUBING REGULATIONS:
Water Skiing Regulations – Cape Cod & Wellfleet Area. Stay safe and legal while enjoying the water. Below are the key rules for water skiing in Wellfleet and surrounding Cape Cod waterways.
🛑 Where Water Skiing is Prohibited
Town-Specific (Wellfleet):
·        • No water skiing or tubing in the Wellfleet Marina
·        • No water skiing within 500 feet of any Town beach or landing
General Cape Cod Restrictions:
·        • Ponds: All non-Great Ponds in Eastham and nearby towns are off-limits, including Garrett’s, Hathaway, Micah’s, Joshua’s, Neck, and Parker’s Ponds.
·        • Saltwater Areas: East Bay, West Bay, Cotuit Bay, and all tidal inlets/rivers.
·        • Safety Buffer Zones:
·          - Within 150 feet of swimmers, docks, piers, floats, moorings, boats, or shoreline
·          - Within 300 feet of any public or private designated swimming area
✅ Where Water Skiing is Allowed (with Conditions)
Wellfleet Harbor:
·        • Permitted only in outer harbor waters, beyond 500 feet from beaches, landings, and marina zones
Other Open Waters:
·        • Cape Cod Bay
·        • Nantucket Sound
·        • Popponesset Bay
Select Cape Locations (Restricted):
·        • North Bay (Barnstable): Allowed west of St. Mary’s Island pier – no weekends/holidays
·        • Hyannisport Harbor & Hyannis Harbor: Limited to specific areas; maintain 150 ft from channels
·        • Lewis Bay & Barnstable Harbor: Use only in outer areas, away from channels
🌟 Special Eastham Rules (Great Pond Only)·       
         • Water skiing only on even-numbered days
·        • Max 50 HP on Great Pond; max 3 HP on all other ponds
·        • 1 skier per boat; max 75-ft towline
·        • Skiing must go counterclockwise
·        • Start/stop only in water 5 feet deep or more
·        • No jet skis or racing-type boats
·        • Hydrofoils only allowed on Great Pond
·        • Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset
⚖️ Massachusetts State Water Skiing Laws (Applies Everywhere)·       
         • Skiing allowed only from sunrise to 45 minutes before sunset
·        • Must have a spotter age 12+ onboard
·        • All skiers must wear a Type I, II, or III Coast Guard–approved life jacket
·        • Boats must be equipped with a ladder or retrieval device
📋 Questions or Permits?
​      Check with your town's Harbormaster or visit your local Natural Resources Department for updates and permits.