
boating
Having Fun!
Tube behind your boat
Rent a pontoon…
Launch a jet ski…
Enjoy the blue waters of Torch Lake!
Boating Safely!
Plan Ahead
Torch Lake is huge!
Look at a map & plan your route.
Out on the water is 15 °F colder than being on shore.
Prevent having an unhappy, cold crew.
- Bring jackets, towels and blankets.
Pay Attention!
There are many boats with inexperienced captains.
Prevent boat accidents:
- Watch out for other boats and watercraft.
- Stay far away from skiers and tubers.
Watch the Sky
Storms move in quickly on Torch Lake.
Prevent accidents:
- When you see dark clouds or lightning, go to a safe harbor:
SOUTH: Torch River, Alden Harbor or Clam River
NORTH: Torch Lake Village

Follow the Law
Torch Lake is patrolled by Antrim and Kalkaska County marine officers.
Be Prepared
Carry boat registration and boating certificates.
Prevent getting a ticket:
- Registration- Must display current sticker on boat.
- Boater Safety Card- Born after July 1, 1996.
Must carry a card. - Boater Safety Card- Ages 14-15.
Must carry a card AND be with an adult.
Click here for the online boating safety course for certification: www.boat-ed.com
Buckle Up…in a Life Jacket
A life jacket can save your life!.
Prevent drownings:
- Children Under 6- Must wear life jacket when boat is moving.
Arm bands/puffy arms are not safe or legal life jackets. - Each passenger must have a life jacket.
Rules on the Water
Prevent boating accidents:
- Don’t sit or stand on the bow unless it is designed with seats.
- Drink responsibly. Stay below the blood alcohol limit .08.
If ticketed with a DUI, it will go on your driving record. - Go slow in NO WAKE ZONES.
In rivers, marinas and within 100 ft of shore. - Sailboats and non-motorized vessels have the right-of-way.
- Boats & Personal Water Craft (PWC) must stay 100 ft from a person in the water, other boats, dock or raft unless going slow no wake.
- NO U turns in Clam & Torch Rivers.
Go down the river until it widens, then turn around.
Clam River flows INTO Torch Lake.
Torch River flows OUT OF Torch Lake.
For Skiing, Wake Boarding & Tubing-
- Every person being towed must wear a life jacket.
- Boats towing a person must have a designated observer in addition to the driver
- When towing, stay 100 ft from shore, anchored vessels, docks, rafts and swimmers.
- Do not tow before sunrise or after sunset.
For PWCs-
Need to operate:
- Boater Safety Card if born after December 31, 1978.
- Must be at least 14 years old with Boating Safety Card and if younger than 16 years must also be in the presence of a parent or guardian.
- Every person riding a PWC must wear life jacket.
When on the water:
- Stay 100 ft from dock, raft, swimmers and shore unless going slow no wake speed.
- Do not cross within 150 feet behind another boat moving faster than no wake speed.
- Do not operate PWC before 8 AM or after sunset.

Photo: Scarab Jet Boat
In case of an accident:
Dial 911
For Antrim or Kalkaska Sheriff Marine Patrol, Fire or Ambulance
Protect Torch Lake
Non-native species can damage Torch Lake.
Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species:
- BEFORE launching, Clean, Drain & Dry your boat and trailer.
- Place unused bait in the trash, NOT the lake.
- Remove mud, plants & water that may harbor invasive species.
Protect our Loons
Loons are threatened species and protected in Michigan.
Prevent loon deaths:
- Slow down and keep a distance of 50-100 feet
- If you hear them call, you are too close. Back away.
Best Boat Launches on Torch Lake
Public boat launches are maintained by local townships and the Department of Natural Resources.
- Fees may apply.
- Be courteous and patient.
- Respect adjacent private property.
North of Clam River
- MDNR Boat Launch- Eastport
- William Good Day Park- Torch Lake Township Park
South of Clam River
- MDNR Boat Launch- Torch River
- Alden Harbor
Public Boat Launches Map (.pdf)
Free Printable
Where to Go
Swimming from Your Boat
- Anchor at public access sites.
Look for orange signs on the
shore. - Anchor 100 ft from private docks &
rafts. - Anchor in deeper water away from
obstacles to protect your propellor. - Drift in deep water to avoid
swimmer’s itch. - No mooring overnight.
Torch Lake Boating Trail
- Cruise the lake.
- Enjoy landscape.
- Check out the cottages
Public Access Map (.pdf)
Free Printable
Torch Lake Boating Trail Map (.pdf)
Free Printable
Show
You Care
We know you want to enjoy the lake for many years (and generations) to come. So, we’ve put together a list of simple steps you can take to reduce the nutrients, sediments and toxins flowing into the lake and its streams.

Care for the Lake You Love
- Take your trash home with you, including pet waste.
- Use public restrooms. Torch lake is not a toilet.
- Use marina pump- out facilities for toilet waste.
- Clean your boat while in trailer, not in the lake.
Use phosphate-free, biodegradable cleaning products.
Respect Others
- Sound travels farther over water- turn down volume.
- Raft boats further offshore.
- Natural shoreline is private property. Don’t trespass.

Links
Don't just wish that Torch Lake will stay blue.
Choose a water-friendly lifestyle - make a difference!
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