Rules updated 05/28/20

The following rules and regulations are applicable to boaters using Columbia Association lakes, ponds and boating facilities. Columbia Association reserves the right to prohibit boating on its lakes and ponds. Boating is prohibited at some locations. Parents are requested to caution their children to observe all rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these rules shall be cause for restricting and/or barring the violator’s use of Columbia Association property.

The following rules apply to the use of Columbia Association lakes, ponds and boating facilities:

  1. No vessel, exceeding sixteen (16) feet in length shall be operated on Columbia lakes or ponds. Length shall be determined by measuring the greatest overall length stem to stern.
  2. No-motorized craft of any kind are allowed on Columbia Association waters; except by written agreement or contract with Columbia Association. Small electric motors are permitted.
  3. No houseboat of any description shall be permitted on Columbia lakes or ponds.
  4. No aircraft of any description shall be permitted to land, remain or take off on or from Columbia Association lakes or ponds, except in emergencies or if an aircraft is involved in rescue operations.
  5. All vessels on Columbia lakes or ponds shall carry one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device in good and serviceable condition for each person on board.
  6. Each occupant of a boat must wear a life jacket or personal flotation device.
  7. Boats shall not be operated in a reckless or negligent manner. It is a violation of state and federal law to operate a vessel in a reckless or negligent manner.
  8. Boat operators will be responsible for all actions of their guests.
  9. The cost of any property damage will be charged to the responsible boat owner or operator. All boat owners and operators are responsible for damage caused by their boat or wake.
  10. Columbia Association will not be responsible for loss or damage to any personal property.
  11. No person shall operate any vessel on the waters of the Columbia Association while under the influence of alcohol, or any narcotic, drug or barbiturate.
  12. Any Columbia Association lake or pond or boating facility may be closed at any time at the discretion of the Columbia Association.
  13. Children under eight (8) years of age must be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older when using the boats.
  14. Splashing or ramming boats is prohibited.
  15. No swimming is allowed in the lakes or ponds.
  16. “Windsurfing” style boats are prohibited.
  17. No garbage, sewage, or other like waste material may be dumped, discharged, or otherwise placed in Columbia Association lakes or ponds from any vessel. Do not litter! It is unlawful in Maryland to throw anything overboard.
  18. Docking or mooring of boats at Columbia Association boat docks for more than two (2) hours is prohibited; boats must be removed from the lakes or ponds each day.
  19. Boats must be hand-carried from vehicle to dock for launching and hand-carried back to the vehicle once removed from the lake or pond; no vehicles are allowed on pathways or boat ramps.