Rules

Rules of Operation & Safety Agreement

1. Pre-Rental & Check-In Requirements

All renters and operators must meet the following criteria before boarding any watercraft.

• Identification & Age: All renting adults and operators must be at least 18 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID showing their date of birth at check-in.

• Language Proficiency: Operators must speak, read, and understand English sufficiently to comprehend verbal instructions, signed rental paperwork, and lake signage without the aid of an interpreter.

• Payment & Fuel Policy: A valid credit or debit card must be placed on file at check-in. Watercraft depart with a full tank of fuel. The renter is solely responsible for the cost of fuel consumed during the rental, which will be charged to the card on file upon return.

• Virginia Boating Compliance: All operators must abide by Commonwealth of Virginia boating regulations.

  • Operators without a current boating license must complete a free online certification course and present the certificate at check-in as well as valid identification to include student ID, driver's license, passport, and/or any other state/federally issued card with your photo and identification.

  • Unlicensed operators must also complete a Virginia Dockside Safety Sheet at the main office to serve as a temporary boating authorization.

2. Universal Rules of Operation (All Watercraft)

These rules apply strictly to all rented pontoons, jet skis, and vessels.

• Sobriety: Operating any watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

• Capacity: Do not exceed the manufacturer’s posted passenger or weight capacity limits for any vessel.

• Safe Distances & Speed: Maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from all docks, swimmers, shoreline, and other watercraft. Strictly observe all posted "No Wake Zones" and lake speed regulations.

• Reckless Driving: No horseplay, stunts, weaving through boat traffic, or reckless operation is permitted.

• Riding Positions: All passengers must remain safely seated inside the rails of the watercraft while in motion. Keep all body parts inside the vessel at all times.

• Stubbs Bridge Restrictions: Stubbs Bridge features extremely low clearance. Operators must approach with extreme caution and fully collapse/remove all Bimini tops before entering or exiting the bridge area. Renter is 100% liable for any bridge-related damage.

• Shallow Water Hazard: Avoid all shallow water, areas with ground visibility, or knee-deep water.

• Sunset Cutoff: All watercraft must be returned to the dock before sunset. Jet skis are legally prohibited from operating after sunset, and rental boats are not equipped for night travel. No exceptions.

• Weather & Cancellations: Rentals may be delayed, rescheduled, or canceled due to unsafe weather at management's discretion. Rain checks may be issued; check with the main office.

3. Watercraft-Specific Rules

Pontoon Boats

• Life Jackets: All occupants under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times.

• Fire Restrictions: No grilling, fireworks, or open flames of any kind are permitted onboard.

• Pet Policy: Friendly pets are permitted provided they are up-to-date on vaccinations and local leash laws are observed. The renter assumes full liability for pet safety and any pet-related damage or deep cleaning needs.

Jet Skis (Personal Watercraft / PWC)

• Rider Limit: Maximum of 3 riders per jet ski unless explicitly authorized by management.

• Life Jackets: ALL riders (regardless of age) must wear a life jacket at all times.

• Prohibited Maneuvers: No flips, wake jumping, sharp spins, or trick maneuvers.

• Shallow Water & Beaching Protocol:

  • If the water depth drops to knee-deep, you must turn off the engine immediately to prevent sucking debris into the intake.

  • To beach a jet ski, cut the engine and allow the watercraft to coast slowly to the shoreline.

  • When restarting, push the jet ski out into water deeper than knee-deep, board from the back, and start the engine only when completely clear of shallow debris.

Captained Charters

• Command: The Captain is in sole command of the vessel at all times.

• Termination Policy: The Captain reserves the right to terminate the charter immediately without a refund if guests engage in illegal behavior, unsafe conduct, or refuse to follow safety instructions.

• Safety Briefing: A mandatory safety briefing will be conducted prior to departure. All guests must locate their life jackets and safety equipment before the vessel leaves the dock.

• Itinerary Changes: The Captain reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary due to severe weather, rough seas, or mechanical issues. If the Captain cancels a charter due to weather, a full refund or reschedule will be offered.

4. Damages, Delays, and Emergencies

• Late Returns: Watercraft must be returned on time. Returns delayed by more than 15 minutes will result in additional hourly rental charges and late fees.

• Return Condition: Watercraft must be returned clean and free of trash, debris, and personal items. A specialized cleaning fee will be applied if the vessel is returned excessively dirty.

• Liability & Damages: The renter assumes sole financial responsibility for all loss or damage to the watercraft, rental equipment, or third-party property incurred during the rental period. Renter explicitly agrees that any charges for damage, loss, cleaning fees, fuel, or late returns will be billed directly to the credit/debit card on file.

• Emergency Protocol: In the event of an emergency or mechanical breakdown, call 540-588-6539 immediately.

  • Do NOT abandon the equipment.

  • Keep the watercraft safely floating in open water clear of the shore and obstacles.

  • Do NOT attempt to restart a malfunctioning engine unless explicitly instructed to do so by a Mobile Watercraft Rentals team member.

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.