Boating Regulation & Safety
· No-wake zone (< 6 mph) within 150 feet (equivalent to half a football field) of the shoreline.
· Motorized boats may not operate to within 75 feet of floats or markers that designate swimming areas.
· Limit boat to headway/no-wake speed (<6 mph) when within 150 feet of a swimmer, the shoreline, a water-skier, a boat launch, a raft or float or a moored or docked boat.
· Maximum speed limit 45 mph for all watercraft including jet skis.
· No wake-jumping is advised as rapid unexpected turns increase risks of accidents.
· Furnish your boat per all MA state safety requirements.
· All kayakers/canoeists must wear a PFD (life preserver) from September 15 to May 15.
· Be courteous to fishermen, non-motorized boaters, & swimmers.
· If towing a skier/tuber, the designated spotter -- not the driver -- must keep eyes on skier/tuber at all times.
· All watercraft launched at the public boat launch must be inspected first. Beware of Zebra Mussels.
· For more information on Boating Safety visit Mass.gov website.
All Regulations Strictly Enforced by the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
To report violations: Call (800) 632-8075.
ZEBRA MUSSEL BOAT WASH STATION
· A NEW boat wash station was installed at the public boat launch of Richmond Pond as of June of 2026. It is a steam wash station powered electrically. It is housed in a shed alongside the boat launch.
· Pete Beckwith, the Richmond Dept. of Public Works Superintendent, has been training the boat monitors on the proper operation of the wash station.
· All boats should be scrubbed and washed down thoroughly at home with 140 degree temperature water or preferably at the wash station, especially if they have been used at other lakes besides Richmond Pond.
· The hours of operation of the boat wash station are the same as those for the public boat launch.
· Only the trained boat monitors are allowed to operate the boat wash station.
· As of this posting, there have been no Zebra Mussels identified at Richmond Pond. Let's keep it that way!
· Do your part to keep Richmond Pond free of Zebra Mussels. WASH YOUR BOAT!
To report any wash station problems contact Peter Beckwith.
Call: (413) 553-7794 or Email: highway@richmondma.org
Swimming Safety
· Be Red Cross Ready – learn to swim
· Know your abilities & the abilities of those swimming with you
· Keep children under constant supervision
· Always swim with a buddy
· Use lifeguard-staffed Richmond Town Beach when possible
· If swimming away from shore, trail a highly visible float or be accompanied by a spotter in a boat (otherwise, motorized boats cannot see you)
See also www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/water-safety/swim-safety
