Preserving the health and beauty of Lake Attitash
Lake Attitash Association
Massachusetts Boating Safety Certificate
Required for all Massachusetts Boaters
To operate a motorized boat in Massachusetts, you now need a Boating Safety Certificate. This can be obtained by completing a state-approved course (online or in-person), with specific deadlines based on your birth year. You must carry your license when boating.
Who Needs It & Deadlines
Born after Jan 1, 1989: Must complete the course by April 1, 2026.
Born on or before Jan 1, 1989: Have until April 1, 2028, to get certified.
Youth (12-15): Must complete an approved course for operating a PWC or motorboat unsupervised.
The Boat Massachusetts course is now mandatory for anyone who wishes to operate a motorboat on Massachusetts waterways. The course is available in two formats:
A full in-person format that runs approximately 10 - 12 hours in length, generally over the course of several days, All full in-person classes are free of charge.
A fully online education course. There is an associated fee for the online program. All courses are NASBLA accredited and reciprocal nationwide.
Classes are for adults and youth 12 years of age and older. Family participation is encouraged and has proven to be very rewarding. All graduates in the 12 through 15 year old age group will be issued a safety certificate allowing them to operate a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. The same is true for 16 and 17 year old youth who wish to operate a personal watercraft.
For more information about these requirements, courses, availability, schedule of in-person courses, and costs for the on-line course, please click on the following link.
https://www.mass.gov/take-a-boating-safety-course
This information is being provided to Lake Attitash Association members to keep you informed about new regulations that have an impact on your use of Lake Attitash.
The Lake Attitash Association (LAA) was formed in 1993 to develop and encourage activities, improvements, and responsible behavior on Lake Attitash and in its watershed for the best interests of residents and visitors, and to preserve the aesthetic, environmental, and recreational values of the lake.
LAA is a non-profit organization managed by volunteers. Any person, family, or business interested in supporting the purposes of the association is welcome to join.
Note: The Lake Attitash Association does not own, control, or manage any beach or any access to the lake.
Many in the lake community are concerned about maintaining the quality of the lake for ourselves, our children, and for future generations to enjoy. We share common concerns over various issues such as overgrowth of nuisance weeds, water quality, boating safety, and wildlife preservation.
The best way to address these concerns is by working together to identify them and then address them as an organized group. Many other lakes around Massachusetts and all over the country have done the same.
Upcoming Events
Excess Phosphorus is Public Enemy #1
Lake Attitash is a secondary drinking water supply for Amesbury so Massachusetts laws are clear: NO FERTILIZERS are allowed within 100 feet of Lake Attitash.
