Boating

February 12, 2025

Slow/No Wake Zone:  What Different Buoys Mean

By NBOA

Keep Out Buoy

A white buoy that houses an orange diamond symbol with a cross inside indicates that boats are not allowed in a particular area.

Control Buoy

Spotting an orange circle on a white buoy represents restricted or regulated operations and requires boaters to decrease their speed to 5 mph or idle without a wake.

Hazard Buoy

An orange diamond shape on a white buoy indicates danger and hazardous areas up ahead, for instance sharp rocks in shallow water.

Swimming Buoys

All white buoys are used to define the perimeter of a swimming area, usually near the shore.

Cautionary Buoys

Yellow buoys are referred to as “cautionary buoys” and warn boaters of risks, including racecourses, underwater structures, or the lack of safety through the channel.