The Navigation Rules on Lake Garda

Sailing on Lake Garda is a fascinating experience, but it requires caution and strict respect for the rules regulating safety on the water. Whether you're using a motorboat, a sailing boat, an inflatable dinghy or simply a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), knowing the main rules of navigation on Lake Garda is essential for sailing safely and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

In this guide, you'll find a clear and practical summary of the most important rules: speed limits, right of way, safety distances and prohibitions to be observed along the entire length of the lake's shores. A useful overview for both first-time boaters and those who want to refresh their knowledge before setting out.

General rules

• In the coastal zone, up to a distance of 300 metres from the shore, navigation is permitted only for sailing boats, rowing boats and windsurfing boards;
• The protection zone is reduced to 150 metres in the coastal sections of the Gulfs of Salò and Romantica between the mouth of the Barbarano stream and the Rocca di Manerba, around the Island of Garda and at the tip of the Sirmione promontory;
• The maximum speed is 20 knots during daylight hours and 5 knots at night;
• Within the coastal zone, the maximum speed is 3 knots, provided that manoeuvres for docking and departure are carried out perpendicular to the coast;
• The maximum speed is also 3 knots within harbours.

Water skiing

Water skiing is permitted in favourable weather conditions, when the lake is calm and visibility is good, from 08:00 to 20:00 in waters at least 500 metres from the shore; the maximum speed permitted for the motorboat towing the skier is 25 knots. The wearing of a life jacket is compulsory.

Windsurfing

For the windsurfing boards, use is permitted only during the day and in good visibility, from one hour after sunrise until sunset. The wearing of a lifejacket is compulsory.

Diving

Diving must take place away from harbours, ferry routes and water-skiing lanes. Divers must signal their presence using a buoy with a red flag and a diagonal white stripe, and must be accompanied by a support vessel. If the dive begins from the shore, the buoy alone is sufficient. Vessels must maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from the buoy.

Jet skiing

For jet skis, the Recreational Boating Code stipulates that a boat licence is compulsory. It is essential to comply with all the provisions of the Navigation Code and the regulations issued by the local authorities.

Right of way rules

The following vessels have right of way whilst navigating:

• Ships used for public transport services;
• Vessels used for emergency rescue, the maintenance of public order, surveillance and other public services;
• Boats involved in commercial fishing operations.

Motorboats and sailing boats are required to keep a distance of at least 100 metres from ships providing public transport services and from boats used for commercial fishing, and to exercise particular caution in the proximity of sailing schools.

Prohibitions

During navigation, it is prohibited to:

• Interfere with the routes of public service ships and obstruct their manoeuvres when approaching and mooring;
• Obstruct boats involved in commercial fishing operations and boats taking part in sailing regattas;
• Follow in the wake of, or at a distance of less than 50 metres from, motorboats towing water skiers.

Both the use of sailboards and diving are prohibited:

• On the routes of public transport ships;
• In marinas and near their entrances;
• In areas reserved for bathing;
• In areas with reed beds;
• In water-skiing launch corridors.

Provisions for the Autonomous Province of Trento

• In the waters under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Province of Trento (the municipalities of Riva del Garda, Arco, Ledro and Nago-Torbole), the use of motorboats is prohibited;
• Pleasure sailing boats may use their engines when entering and leaving harbours and when returning to harbour in the event of no wind or for justified reasons.

Emergency numbers

When sailing on Lake Garda, it is important to know who to contact in the event of unforeseen incidents or emergencies. In this section, you will find the main emergency numbers that you should always keep to hand.

• Ambulance: 118
• Carabinieri: 112
• Civil Protection: 800 840 840
• Coastguard: 1530
• Finance Police: 117
• Fire Brigade: 115
• Lake Garda Coastguard Unit: +39 0365 21300 / +39 0365 293147
• Police: 113