boating rules and regulations

for a fun and safe experience

Boating and rafting on Bayou St. John during a neighborhood festival is what makes Bayou Boogaloo unique. We want to encourage that in a responsible and respectful way while ensuring that attendees are safe and following the state law. Be safe, have fun, and follow the guidance below.

BOATING REGULATIONS

NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY
You MUST have a ticket to enter on water or land
Only flotation devices designed for outdoor water activities are allowed.
NO motorized vessels allowed on Bayou St. John
Please Don’t Litter
Per state law, all vessels must have personal floatable devices for those on board
Per State Law, Persons under 16 are required to wear personal floatable devices at all times
NO glass containers or outside drinks allowed except for sealed plastic water bottle
Empty coolers are OK
All vessels are subject to inspection by law enforcement for dangerous or restricted items
All children under 12 must be accompanied by and adult – ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS
NO floating vendors allowed

BARGE/ HOMEMADE RAFT REGULATIONS

Any person or group who desires to build and place a homemade barge in the water will be required to REGISTER the barge and is RESPONSIBLE for the SAFE and TIMELY REMOVAL OF THE BARGE. This DOES NOT apply to canoes, kayaks, inflatables, etc…
Barges are required to have official Coast Guard sticker provided by Friends of Bayou St John.
Barges may be launched on the south end of Bayou St. John, where Moss St (Riverside) meets Lafitte St. on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 5-8pm or Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings between 9am – 11am.

Friends of Bayou St. John has secured a marine permit from Wildlife and Fisheries for Bayou St. John between Lafitte St. and Dumaine St.

Law enforcement officers of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fishery Department, sheriff’s deputies, and any other authorized enforcement officer or staff, shall have the authority to order the removal of vessels deemed to be an interference or hazard to public safety, enforce all boating safety laws, or cause any inspection to be made of all vessels in accordance to state law.

Per City Ordinance, All barges must be picked up within 24 hours after the festival.

All barges are subject to removal if deemed unsafe by festival staff or law enforcement officer.