Duke Energy Lake Use Permitting, 800-443-5193. You may also refer to the Shoreline Management Plan/Guidelines. Click here to download: https://www.duke-energy.com/community/
RESOURCES
Lake Wylie & Lake Norman Helpful Resources
Water Safety Resources to Help You Stay Safe Around the Lake
Our resources page is designed to give you helpful information about staying safe in and around lakes. Here you’ll find trusted guides, safety tips, and organizations dedicated to preventing drowning and promoting responsible water activities. Whether you’re swimming, boating, or relaxing by the shore, these resources can help you enjoy the water safely.
Safety Resources
Find reliable information on boating laws, lake conditions, safety guidelines, and emergency services to help keep the lake safe.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission – Boating laws, safety rules, and education
👉 https://www.ncwildlife.gov/boatingLake Wylie Marine Commission – Lake updates, safety info, and maps
👉 https://www.lakewyliemarinecommission.comDuke Energy – Lake levels and water flow updates
👉 https://www.duke-energy.com/community/lakes/lake-levelsSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Fishing regulations and lake access info
👉 https://www.dnr.sc.gov/lakes/wylie/description.htmlUnited States Coast Guard – National boating safety and emergency resources
Lake Norman Marine Commission – Boating safety, regulations, and lake updates
👉 https://lnmc.org/
🚨 In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Lake Safety FAQ
Quick Answers to Your Questions
What are the boating laws, rules, regulations and ordinances I need to know?
Boating on the Lake is regulated by both North Carolina and South Carolina authorities. On the North Carolina side, boating laws are enforced by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Because the lake sits on the state line, some rules may vary depending on where you are on the water.
Here are a few important boating laws visitors should know:
Boater Education: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete a boating safety course and carry a valid certificate to operate a vessel in North Carolina waters.
Jet Ski Age Limit: Operators of personal watercraft must be at least 14 years old.
No-Wake Zones: Boats must slow to no-wake speed within 150 feet of docks, piers, ramps, bridges, swimmers, or other structures.
Life Jackets for Kids: Children under 13 must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket while the boat is moving.
Personal Watercraft Rules: Jet skis and other PWCs must follow specific distance, safety, and equipment regulations.
Boat Noise: Boats must have a functioning muffler or noise-control system to limit excessive engine noise.
Note: This information is intended as a general safety overview and not a complete summary of all boating laws. Always check official state resources for the most up-to-date regulations.
Who do I contact to report boating safety, no wake and other violations?
Residents and visitors of Lake Wylie and Lake Norman rely on several local and state law enforcement agencies to help keep the lake safe. These agencies enforce boating laws, safety regulations, and local ordinances to ensure everyone can enjoy the water responsibly.
If you need assistance or want to report a safety concern on the lake, contact the appropriate lake patrol or wildlife agency below:
Lake Patrol & Enforcement Contacts
Gaston County Police Department – 704-866-3320
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office – 704-336-2543
York County Sheriff’s Office – 803-628-3059
Catawba County – 828-464-3112
Cornelius Police Department – 704-892-1363 ext. 261
Iredell County – 704-878-3100
Lincoln County – 704-735-8202
Mecklenburg County (Lake Patrol) – 704-943-6200
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission – 1-800-662-7137
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – 1-800-922-5431
These agencies work together to monitor boating activity, respond to emergencies, and promote safe recreation on Lake Wylie.
Note: For emergencies, always call 911.
Who do I contact about docks, piers, shoreline management and dredging?
Who do I contact about docks, piers, shoreline management and dredging?
Safety Resources
Trusted Lake Safety Resources
Find reliable information on boating laws, lake conditions, safety guidelines, and emergency services to help keep Lake Wylie safe.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission – Boating laws, safety rules, and education
👉 https://www.ncwildlife.gov/boatingLake Wylie Marine Commission – Lake updates, safety info, and maps
👉 https://www.lakewyliemarinecommission.comDuke Energy – Lake levels and water flow updates
👉 https://www.duke-energy.com/community/lakes/lake-levelsSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Fishing regulations and lake access info
👉 https://www.dnr.sc.gov/lakes/wylie/description.htmlUnited States Coast Guard – National boating safety and emergency resources
Lake Norman Marine Commission – Boating safety, regulations, and lake updates
👉 https://lnmc.org/
🚨 In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
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