In the best interest of safe boating and pleasure for all, the following rules have been approved by the Big Alum Lake Association (2007):

General
1. Overnight camping on the island is NOT permitted without permission of the Lake Association.
(Call Matt Kibbe 508-347-2032 or Joel Casaubon 508-347-3644.)
2.  Do NOT swim beyond 100 ft. from shore without a support boat or visible buoy.
3.  Avoid excessive speedboat noise before 9:00 A.M. out of respect to all.
4.  No cleaning of fish at the boat ramp.  Take them home to clean them.
5.  Do NOT litter.  Put trash, including bottles and cans, in litter bags for proper disposal.
6.  Give right of way to canoes, sailboats, and rowboats.

Boating
7.  All boats traveling in excess of 15 mph should stay at least 200 ft. from shore whenever possible.
8.  Keep to the right when passing oncoming traffic.
9.  Motorboats and jet skis in excess of 15 mph should circle the lake in a counter-clockwise direction at all times.  This applies to everyone.
     * Tubers and jet skiers should conduct all unpredictable, high-risk activities near the center of the lake.
     * Use common sense at all times.  Don't operate recklessly.
     * Curtail high-risk activities when the lake is crowded.
     * Jet skiers, water skiers, and tubers MUST wear life jackets.
10. Don't overload your boat with passengers and gear.  Know its capacity.  Bow riding with feet over the bow is dangerous.  Don't invite an accident.
11. No skiing or boat-pulled tubing between the island and the north shore.  This is a "No Wake" zone.
12. Powerboats should NOT drive between private rafts and the shoreline.
13. Jet skiers MUST obey all boating rules including:
     * wearing a life jacket
     * being a courteous and responsible operator
     * keeping within designated manufacturer's passenger limitations

State Law
14. It is illegal to tow a water skier or a person in any other manner behind a PWC.
15. All water skiers, jet skiers and tubers must wear Coast Guard Approved life preserver.
16. No waterskiing, jet skiing, or tubing after sunset.
17. Boats towing water skiers or tubers must have an observer or spotter on board.
18. All boats must show proper lighting after sundown - NO EXCEPTIONS.
19. Skin divers and snorkelers must have a visible tube with a flag attached.
20. Mufflers on boats may not be modified in a manner that will increase the noise level of the vehicle (332CMR, Pg. 624.118).
21. Floats and rafts must be within 50 feet of the shore and must have reflectors.
22. Maximum day speed is 45 mph.  Night boating speed is limited to 6 mph.
23. Anyone 12 years or younger must wear a life jacket.  Everyone must wear a life jacket while in canoes, sailboats, or during cold weather months.
24. Equip your boat properly; there must be a life preserver for each passenger, fire extinguisher, bilge pump, paddle, etc.

Massachusetts Boating Laws - http://boat-ed.com/ma/handbook

Please address boating complaints and comments to the BALA Boating Committee:
Matt Kibbe 508-347-2032 or Joel Casaubon 508-347-3644.
Please notify the Sturbridge Police Dept., 508-347-2525, immediately if the violation observed is severe or flagrant in manner.