Frequently Asked Questions
The waters of Lake Norman are regulated by the statutes of North Carolina, the Lake Norman Marine Commission, NC Wildlife Resources Commission and by the counties that surround the lake, Catawba County, Iredell County, Lincoln County & Mecklenburg County.
Listed below are laws you should know (Please Note: This information in not Warranted or Guaranteed. It is not the scope of this website to provide the complete law. It is only the intent of this website to bring attention to some common laws).
- Boater’s education certificate required for all boaters born after January 1, 1988. http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Boating/documents/Safe_Boating_Education_FAQ_Brochure.pdf
- No one under 14 years old can operate a PWC in North Carolina waters. http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2005/Bills/House/HTML/H702v5.html
- No wakes are allowed within 150′ of any bridge, boat launch, dock, pier, water intake or structure on Lake Norman. http://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_75a/gs_75a-14.1.html
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while boating. http://www.ncwildlife.org/Boating/LawsSafety/ChildrenMustWearPFDs.aspx
- There are laws specific to the operation of jet skis (personal watercraft – PWC), please go to this link and observe these laws. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_75a/gs_75a-13.3.html
- All boats must have a muffling system for noise control. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_75a/gs_75a-9.html
- The link to the North Carolina Boating & Water Safety Statutes, Chapter 75A is : http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statutes/statutelookup.pl?statute=75A
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/lakes/services/cw-shoreline-management-plan
For up to date lake levels, visit Duke Lakes Website or call Duke Energy Lake Information at 800-829-LAKE.
The Catawba River Channel that winds through Lake Norman is spanned by five major bridges & sixteen additional bridges cross creeks or connect exclusive island properties to the mainland. Listed below are the approximate vertical bridge clearances when the lake is at full pond (760 feet above sea level). Wave height must be factored in when boat clearances are tight.
- I-40 Bridge – Catawba River – over 10′ 0″
- Highway 70 Bridge – Catawba River – over 10′ 0″
- Railroad Bridge – Catawba River – over 10′ 0″
- Railroad Bridge – Buffalo Creek – 3′ 0″
- Buffalo Shoals Rd. Bridge – Catawba River – over 10′ 0″
- State Rd. 1832 – Balls Creek – 5′ 6″
- Windermere Island Bridge – Catawba River – over 10′ 0″
- Mollys Backbone Rd. Bridge – Terrapin Creek – 2′ 0″
- State Park Rd. Bridge – Hicks Creek – 3′ 0″
- Perth Rd. Bridge – Rocky Creek – 3′ 0″
- Perth Rd. Bridge – Cornelius Creek – 5 ‘3″
- Cornelius Rd. Bridge -Cornelius Creek – 4 ‘0″
- Highway 150 Bridge – Catawba River – 8′ 5″ & 11′ 1″
- Highway 150 Bridge – Mountain Creek – 5′ 9″
- Highway 150 Bridge – Reed Creek (LKN Marina) – 5′ 9″
- Mount Pleasant Rd. Bridge – Mountain Creek – 5′ 5″
- Railroad Bridge – Mountain Creek – 6′ 3″
- Slanting Bridge Rd. – Mountain Creek – over 10′ 0″
- Governors Island Rd. Bridge – East of Burton Creek – 7′ 10″
- Williamson Rd. Bridge – Reeds Creek – 6′ 0″
- I – 77 Bridge – Reeds Creek – 10′ 3″
The Lake Norman Marine Commission, residents of Lake Norman and users of Lake Norman are dependent on the efforts of the various law enforcement agencies on the lake to enforce the laws and ordinances regarding lake use, please contact the lake patrol division of the County in which you reside and/or NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
- 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: 704-943-6200
- NC Wildlife Resources Commission: 1-800-662-7137
A Boater Safety and Education Course is required for all boat operators born after Jan 1st, 1988.
Anyone under age 13, or riding a personal watercraft (PWC), or being towed must wear a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket as a simple safety precaution is a good idea, especially those who are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the lake.
Lake Norman has a no-wake zone within 150 feet of any dock, bridge, marina, boat ramp, and within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel that is displaying a flashing blue light. No wake speed is idle speed or a speed creating no appreciable wake.
North Carolina Prohibits operating a boat or vessel while impaired. Boating under the influence laws are strictly enforced and are the same as driving a motor vehicle. Beer and unfortified wine are allowed on any vessel, but mixed beverages, spirituous liquor, and fortified wine are only allowed on a vessel which can be considered a secondary residence.
- Consider wearing a floatation device or using a swim buoy for open water swimming.
- Depths of Lake Norman vary; diving where you cannot see the bottom is discouraged.
Rafting of three (3) to ten (10) vessels shall be conducted at least 100 yards from the shoreline. Rafting of eleven (11) or more vessels shall be conducted at least 300 yards from the shoreline. (b) One (1) or two (2) vessels may be tied or anchored within 100 yards of the shoreline, but they must be at least fifty (50) yards from any other vessel or group of vessels tied or anchored together.
- To operate a PWC, you must be 14 years of age and complete boating certification.
- PWCs can only operate during daylight hours.
- The operator and all passengers on a PWC must wear a personal flotation device.
- PWC rider max capacity includes any persons being towed by the PWC.
- Find big, open bodies of water and stay at least 200 feet away from marinas, launch areas and docks.
- Minimize repetitive passes.
- Any day at the lake is a GREAT day, especially when everyone uses common courtesy and respect.
- Sound travels long distances across water, so keep music at a responsible level and at reasonable hours.
- To keep the lake clean, don’t litter, and remove any trash or debris you might find that does not belong in the lake.
- Everyone plays a role in keeping the lake safe and beautiful for residents, for visitors, and for our natural habitat. Please do your part so that we can all continue to Love Where You Lake!
Duke Energy Lake Seervices
Duke Lake View App available at Google Play and Apple Store. Search “Duke Energy Lake View” and download.
Call 800-829-LAKE
The Lake Norman Marine Commission, residents of Lake Norman and users of Lake Norman are dependent on the efforts of the various law enforcement agencies on the lake to enforce the laws and ordinances regarding lake use, please contact the lake patrol division of the County in which you reside and/or NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
- Catawba County: 828-464-3112
- Cornelius Police Department: 704-892-1363 x261
- Iredell County: 704-878-3100
- Lincoln County: 704-735-8202
- Mecklenburg County: 704-943-6200
- NC Wildlife Resources Commission: 1-800-662-7137