Safety Requirements

Your safety is our top priority at Wakefield Community Boating. 

Staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED administration and have also completed a Boating Safety training as well as related practical trainings. In case there is a need to get to a boater in distress urgently, Wakefield Community Boating has a Boston Whaler equipped with a Type IV PFD; a throwable device to aid a boater in the water. 

Program Director Amanda Haley has completed the Official Massachusetts Boating Safety Course Online and all Crew Members complete a Paddlesports Safety Course online.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Safety & Community Boating on Lake Quannapowitt:

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A LIFEJACKET? 

Everyone must be wear a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket (personal floatation device or PFD) at all times while participating in kayak activities.  

WILL I TIP OVER IN A KAYAK? 

Possibly, but it’s actually quite normal. Our sit-on-top boats are very stable when you’re sitting in them, but when you stand up, you shouldn’t be surprised to find that capsizing is very likely!

WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED HELP ON THE WATER?

Each PFD has a whistle that you should use in case of an emergency. Staff will be monitoring the water to look for boaters that may need help.  

I’VE NEVER BEEN KAYAKING BEFORE, WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?

No experience is necessary!.  Our sit-on-top kayaks are very user-friendly and easy to use. We provide instruction as well as a life jacket.  We do recommend boaters have swim experience.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE OR WEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR CHILDREN FOR THE KAYAKS AND PEDAL BOATS?

  • The minimum age for boating is ages three and up.
  • Boaters up to age 14 must have a parent or guardian complete a waiver and be on the water with them.
  • If boaters ages 8-14 successfully complete a Kayak Lesson with our staff they may go on the water alone but a parent or guardian must remain on site.  Register for lessons here
  • Boaters 15, 16, 17 may go out on their own but must have a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
  • We have red single kayaks with a weight limit of 225 and  green single kayaks with a weight limit of 275.
  • Our tandem (2 person kayaks) have a weight limit of up to 425 lbs.   ​

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WHEN I COME BOATING?

Imagine it is like a day at the beach. You should bring sunscreen, water, and be sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

WILL YOU BE OPEN WHEN IT IS RAINING?

As long as the weather is safe enough for us to venture on the water, we plan to do so!  If there is thunder and lightning, we will pause operations.  If the weather affects visibility or heavy winds, we will also pause operation until conditions improve.  Check the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield Facebook page for weather updates.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO RENT A BOAT?

You must be 18 years or older to rent a boat.  If you are aged 15-17, in order to go out on your own you must have a parent or guardian complete the consent form to rent a boat.  All children under the age of 15 must have an adult accompany them and have consent from their parents/guardians.  If boaters ages 8-14 successfully complete a Kayak Lesson with our staff they may go on the water alone but a parent or guardian must remain on site.  Register for lessons here

CAN I WALK UP AND MAKE A RESERVATION? 

Yes, we will have some equipment saved for walk up participants and will be rented on a first come first serve basis.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR KAYAK LESSONS.

New this year, potential paddlers ages 8-14 can sign up to complete kayak lessons with our staff.  They will learn the essentials of kayaking including: 

  • overall safety
  • launching and landing tips
  • paddling equipment
  • paddling terms and techniques
  • and more!

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

We ask that you give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel a reservation.  We can offer to reschedule your reservation or provide a refund.

Recent News