Rental Rules & Safety Requirements

General Requirements

1. Operators must be 18 years or older and present:

   • A valid government-issued photo ID

   • A valid debit or credit card at check-in

   • A valid boating license or proof of completion of a boating safety course

2. Operators must be able to communicate in English sufficiently to safely operate rental equipment without an interpreter.

3. Before operating any equipment, operators must:

   • Complete a Virginia-approved boating safety course (temporary or permanent certification), or possess a valid certification from a reciprocal state.

   • Sign all required waivers and rental agreements.

4. All renters and operators must follow all applicable laws and regulations of Lake Anna and the Commonwealth of Virginia. These rules supplement, but do not replace, state and local laws.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

Operating any rental equipment while impaired is strictly prohibited.

This includes impairment from:

• Alcohol

• Marijuana

• Illegal drugs

• Prescription or over-the-counter medications

• Sleep deprivation

• Any condition that affects safe operation

Anyone deemed unsafe to operate equipment may have their rental canceled immediately without refund.

Rental Delays, Cancellations & Early Termination

Rentals may be delayed, canceled, or terminated without refund due to:

• Unsafe operation

• Weather conditions

• Late arrival or departure

• Equipment damage

• Violation of rental policies

Weather-related cancellations may qualify for a raincheck. Contact management for details.

Damage, Liability & Fuel

The renter is fully responsible for:

• Fuel replacement

• Equipment damage

• Property damage

• Lost equipment

• Injuries occurring during the rental period

Charges may be applied to the payment card on file. Failure to pay may result in:

• Additional fees

• Suspension of rental privileges

• Collection costs and legal action

Equipment Return

All equipment must be returned:

• Free of trash

• Free of personal belongings

• In reasonably clean condition

Cleaning fees may apply.

Late Returns

Late returns are subject to fees beginning at $100, with additional charges based on the length of the delay. Legal action may be pursued for failure to return equipment.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency:

1. Secure the equipment in a safe location while maintaining visual contact.

2. Contact us immediately for instructions.

3. Do not:

   • Restart disabled equipment

   • Tow equipment

   • Abandon equipment

   • Continue operation without authorization

Virginia law requires reporting accidental damage exceeding $5,000 to law enforcement.

Watercraft Safety Rules

General Watercraft Operation

1. Never exceed the posted passenger or weight capacity.

2. All passengers must keep hands, feet, arms, and legs inside the vessel while underway.

3. Do not:

   • Sit, stand, or ride on gates

   • Sit outside railings

   • Hang over the side of the vessel

   • Position yourself under the vessel or ladder

4. Swimming from the side of the boat is permitted when safely anchored.

5. All gates must be securely latched before the vessel is underway.

6. Engines must be turned off before passengers board or exit.

7. Never approach a fallen rider at speed.

8. Reckless operation, racing, commercial use, or towing unauthorized equipment is prohibited.

9. Open flames, grilling, and fireworks are prohibited onboard.

10. Fully collapse the bimini top before passing under bridges and follow all posted clearance signs.

11. Pets are permitted on most boats (excluding Malibu Excursions) if leashed and current on vaccinations.

12. Do not spray sunscreen directly on boat surfaces or upholstery.

13. Life jackets must be worn at all times.

14. Hair longer than shoulder length must be secured while operating or riding.

15. Operators must wear the emergency engine shut-off (kill-switch) lanyard at all times.

16. Maintain a safe distance from:

    • Docks

    • Swimmers

    • Shorelines

    • Shallow areas

    • Other vessels

    • Known hazards

17. Stunts, wake jumping, spraying other boats or swimmers, and reckless behavior are strictly prohibited.

Watersports Rules

Watersports are permitted only on approved vessels and designated rentals unless otherwise authorized by management.

Watersports include:

• Tubing

• Water skiing

• Wakeboarding

• Kneeboarding

• Foil boarding

• Wakesurfing

Watersports Requirements

1. A dedicated observer (spotter) must be onboard whenever a rider is being towed.

2. Only one rider may be towed at a time.

3. Towing is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.

4. Tow ropes must be inspected before use and any damage reported immediately.

5. Follow all manufacturer instructions for watersports equipment.

6. Riders may not stand or kneel on equipment unless specifically designed for that purpose.

7. Intentional whipping, flipping, or unsafe maneuvers are prohibited.

8. If a rider falls:

   • The observer must notify the operator immediately.

   • Approach cautiously.

   • Shut off the engine before the rider approaches the vessel.

   • Ensure the boarding ladder is secured before resuming operation.

9. Keep tow ropes clear of the engine at all times.

Watersports Location Restrictions

Watersports may only be conducted:

• At least 200 feet from docks

• At least 200 feet from swimmers

• At least 200 feet from shorelines

• At least 200 feet from anchored vessels

• At least 200 feet from marinas

• Outside no-wake zones

• In open water with light traffic

Assumption of Risk

Participation in watersports is voluntary and entirely at the renter's risk.

The renter accepts full responsibility for determining whether:

• Weather conditions are safe

• Water conditions are safe

• Participants possess the necessary skill level

• Equipment is being used appropriately

While a permanent boater's license is not required, it is HIGHLY recommended. You can obtain it free at https://www.boatus.org/virginia. It is a lifetime license so well worth the time and effort. You may also take the training course using the hyperlink above to bring you to the training tab.