Boating in Connecticut

10/15/2026

Attention, Pachaug Pond boaters!
A 3-foot drawdown will commence on or about October 15, 2026. The drawdown will be managed to restore the normal water surface elevation by early April 2027.

Please note: With any drawdown and refill periods, there are risks that the desired level and refill may not be achieved within the timeframes due to weather events and conditions.

10/14/2026

Attention, Gardner Lake boaters!
A 3-foot drawdown will commence on or about October 15, 2026. The drawdown will be managed until approximately February 25, 2027, to restore the normal water surface elevation by early April 2027.

Please note: With any drawdown and refill periods, there are risks that the desired level and refill may not be achieved within the timeframes due to weather events and conditions.

10/09/2026

Attention CT River boaters!
Eversource will pull wires across the CT River from the Haddam Substation to East Haddam Junction on October 12-18, November 2, and December 7, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. These dates are subject to change based on construction conditions and weather conditions.
Please use caution when boating in the area.

10/09/2026

This is the final weekend of operation for the Candlewood Lake Pumpout boat for 2026! In operation this weekend Friday 10/9 - Monday 10/12.

10/07/2026

Attention boaters in northern CT!!! The deadline to register for a DEEP safe boating course at CT State Asnuntuck is this Friday!!!
Register here; https://cscu-ce.easy-forward.com/ce-api/

10/05/2026

ALL operators and passengers of manually propelled vessels are required to wear a USCG approved personal flotation device (PFD) between October 1 and May 31 on CT waters.

09/29/2026

There is still time to sign up for this class! Tomorrow and Thursday evening 5-9PM!

Registration link: https://enrichment.meridenadulted.org/CourseCatalog/ScheduleView.asp?ScheduleId=3575

Don't miss your opportunity to get certified!!

Connecticut Personal Watercraft/Boating Safety Course

Course Information

Total Instruction: 8 hours
Attendance: Students must attend all sessions.
Exam: Students must successfully complete a 60-question multiple-choice exam.
Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to take the course.

Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO)
Successful completion of the course qualifies participants to purchase their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) through the Connecticut Sportsmen Licensing System for a $50 fee. The CPWO allows eligible individuals to operate recreational vessels, including personal watercraft.

Age Requirements & Restrictions

Under 16: A person under 16 who holds a CPWO may operate a personal watercraft only when supervised onboard by someone 18 or older who also holds a CPWO.
Tubing/Water Skiing: No person under 16 may operate a vessel while towing someone for tubing or water skiing.
Other Vessels: A child under 16 may operate a vessel other than a personal watercraft without a certificate only when under the direct supervision of an adult 18 or older who has held a boating certificate for at least two years.
Under 12: A person under 12 who earns a CPWO may not operate a vessel over 10 horsepower unless supervised by someone 18 or older who holds a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) or CPWO.

Connecticut Conservation ID Number — Required
A valid Connecticut Conservation ID Number is required to:

Register for the course
Take the exam
Purchase or reprint the certificate

If you already have a Connecticut hunting or fishing license, your Conservation ID is the same number. If you do not have one, you must create a Conservation ID before registering for the course.

Get Your Conservation ID:
Connecticut Online Sportsmen Licensing System https://ct.aspirafocus.com/internetsales?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Instructions for Obtaining a Conservation ID:
How to Obtain a Conservation ID Number
https://ct.aspirafocus.com/internetsales?utm_source=chatgpt.com

09/28/2026

The US Coast Guard needs your help!

You still have time to sign up for the USCG survey. They are trying to understand how many people are boating in the US, the types of boats being used, and how often you’re on the water. Sign up with the link below to represent CT boaters!
Survey sign-up: https://norcfed.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ezfBlrTYxLdG4e

09/24/2026

The Candlewood Lake Pumpout Boat will be CLOSED this weekend, 9/26 and 9/27.

Operation will resume next weekend, 10/3 and 10/4.