Bear Lake Reserve Watercraft Rental
Bear Lake Reserve offers watercraft rentals guests. Renters must be at least 18 years of age and provide photo proof of identification.
Additional Boat Rental Information
- Contact the Activities Desk at 828-293-7414 for information on available boats for rent, prices and accessories available. BLR will not guarantee a boat will be available without a reservation.
- Hours of operations are: 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. but may vary based on the season.
Boating Safety Tips
Vessel Condition: The operator should assure that a vessel is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards or sharp edges exposed. The vessel should be free of fire hazards and have clean bilges.
Loading Your Vessel: Keep the load low and evenly distributed. Do not exceed the capacity label. If there is no capacity label, use the following formula to determine the maximum number of persons you can safely carry in calm water:
People = Boat Length x Boat Width / 15
Anchoring: To anchor, bring the bow into the wind or current and put the engine in neutral. When the vessel comes to a stop, lower (do not throw) the anchor over the bow. The anchor line should be 5 to 7 times the depth of the water. Do not anchor by the stern.
Fueling Precautions: Fill portable tanks off the vessel. Close all hatches and other openings before fueling. Extinguish smoking materials. Turn off engines and all electrical equipment, radios, stoves and other appliances.
After fueling, wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. Open all hatches to air out vessel. Run the blower for at least four minutes and then check the bilges for fuel vapors before starting the engine. Never start the engine until all traces of fuel vapors are eliminated.
Fuel Management: Practice the “One-Third Rule” by using one-third of the fuel going out, one third to get back and one third in reserve.
Cold Water Survival: Sudden immersion in cold water can induce rapid, uncontrolled breathing, cardiac arrest and other life threatening situations which can result in drowning. Wearing a PFD will reduce this condition. If you must enter the water, button up your clothing, wear a PFD, cover your head if possible and enter the water slowly.
No Wake Zone: In a marked no wake zone, causing a wake is illegal and will result in a citation.
Major Damage/Boating Accident: A $200 major damage free will be charged to the lessee’s credit card if any major damage to the vessel occurs during the rental period. Moreover if damage amounting to $2,000 occurs while on the water and/or bodily injury occurs a Boating Accident Report must be made to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. (919) 707-0030 or (828)557-0616.
Weather: Check the weather reports before leaving shore and remain watchful for signs of bad weather. Listen to National Weather Service Radio. If a small craft advisory is posted, get in to shore immediately as the winds are or will be too high to operate your vessel safely.
Pre Rental Checklist
PDF (Personal Flotation Device)
- Verify there is at least one Coast Guard approved device per passenger.
- Explain the location and use of all PFD’s to passengers.
- Indicate the location of the additional throwable device.
- Persons 13 and under must wear a PFD at all times.
- Persons using a waverunner must wear a PFD at all times.
Sound Producing Devices
- Ensure that watercraft’s horn is working properly.
- Indicate the location of the safety whistle.
Fuel & Oil
- Confirm there is enough fuel to provide a reasonable margin of safety for return.
- Explain gas gauge.
Additional Equipment Information
- Indicate location and use of fire extinguisher.
- Indicate location of paddle and proper use.
- Explain location of boat registration.
- Inform of proper docking techniques/rope locations.
Driving Instructions
- Explain proper driving technique for watercraft.
- Demonstrate how to maneuver the engine up/down.
- Explain how to accelerate/slowdown properly.
- Explain proper technique for forward and reverse.
NC Boating Laws
- Renter has received and read the rules of boating for the state of North Carolina.
Damages – Please list any obvious damage that incurred from rental for charges to be assessed.
NOTICE OF RISK: I hereby acknowledge custody of the equipment described above, in good condition equipped as indicated in activity checklist, and I agree to return said equipment to the Bear Lake Club LLC, on or before the time indicated on the checklist, in the same condition and with the same equipment as listen therein. In case of theft or loss, I am responsible for the replacement value of the equipment. In case of abuse or damage, I will be charged for the repair or replacement of the equipment.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I understand and am aware that boating, skiing, riding water toys are HAZARDOUS activities. I understand that the sport of boating, skiing, riding water toys, and the use of the equipment involve a risk of injury to all parts of the user’s body and possible DEATH. I hereby agree to freely and expressly assume and accept any and all risks in the use of the equipment rented. I have received and understand the boating laws of North Carolina.
LIABILITY AGREEMENT: I hereby release from any legal liability, Bear Lake Club LLC, and its owners, affiliates, agents, and employees from any and all liability for damage and injury, or death to myself and or any person or property resulting from the selection, maintenance, or use of this equipment, and for any claim based upon negligence, breach of warranty, contract, claim, or other legal theory, accepting myself, the full responsibility for any and all such damages or injury which may result. It is understood and agreed that the Rental Fee is a presently earned fee for the use of the equipment.
Bear Lake Club LLC, reserves the right to (a) authorize the use of the equipment and (b) revoke the use of the equipment. Decisions on the part of Bear Lake Club LLC, with regard to the use of the equipment by RENTER are made for safety reasons, including, but not limited to the following:
(1) Unsafe operation of the equipment (2) Lack of sobriety of the RENTER (3) Unsafe weather conditions
I certify that I have read this document and I fully understand its content. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contact and I sign it of my own free will.
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