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Bright orange kayak on a lake at sunset with a young woman paddling, emphasizing outdoor water sports, adventure, and active lifestyle.
Madison Boats

Water Safety and Risk Management

At Madison Boats, ensuring water safety is a top priority for our team. Engaging in watersports inherently involves risks, and while we strive to minimize these risks, it's important that you operate within your skill level and do all you can to further educate yourself on specific watercraft, necessary skills, and potential risks involved. Below, you'll find helpful links and information to assist you in staying informed and prepared.

Rules

There is an inherent risk in all watersports and related activities. Madison Boats retains the right to deny access or use of our equipment or facilities for actions that cause or contribute to injuries to self or others or disrupts other boater’s enjoyment of the water. We may also deny access due to inclement weather, assessment of participants’ boating capabilities, or the ability to provide necessary assistance services in the event of an accident.​

Before you go out on the water, you should be aware that Madison Boats staff are not first responders, lifeguards, or certified professionals. If there is an emergency please call 911.

​By agreeing to rent a boat with Madison Boats you agree to the Madison Boats Rules that are designed to reduce risk.

You will also be required to sign a waiver of liability before participating in the activity.

A couple of highlights of the Rules include:

  • No Alcohol and or Drugs: No participant may bring or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on our boats.
  • PFDs: All persons must have a PFD and Madison Boats strongly encourages wearing it. Minors must wear their PFD at all times when not in a boat with their parent or guardian. Minors under 13 MUST wear their PFD at all times.
  • You will comply with all Federal, State and local laws, if you are unclear on laws please visit www.boat-ed.com.
  • Boating is weather dependent. You will heed all warnings and return to the boathouse at the first sign of storms, high winds, lightning, thunder, or severe weather.
  • You are responsible for any damage or loss to the boats.
Life jackets/Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

Failure to adhere to the rules will lead to the immediate termination of the rental without a refund. Additionally, minors will not be permitted to be unsupervised for the remainder of the season.

  • Unsupervised Minors MUST ALWAYS WEAR THEIR PFD.
  • Minors with their parents/guardian over 13 may remove their life jacket though Madison Boats STRONGLY advises against doing so.
  • Adults do not have to wear their life jacket but must have one with them in the boat at all times.
  • All persons regardless of age must wear their PFD when on the water mat.

MADISON BOATS WAIVERS

Madison Boats is an experienced provider of boating and recreation. Our highest goal is reduce risk and ensure the safety of every participant. Each participant is provided with a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, and we seek to make the experience both safe and fun. There are, however, still risks to these activities.

We offer basic boating instruction and will help guide you into the best craft for the conditions; however, Madison Boats staff are not first responders, lifeguards, or certified professionals. Participants are responsable to know the conditions, how to operate the watercraft, and knowing their limits. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

All Participants must have a waiver signed before going out on one of Madison Boats watercraft or partaking in one of the organized events or activities.

WINGRA Minor WaiverBRITTINGHAM Minor WaiverMARSHALL Minor Waiver

Event or Group Waiver: Please email admin@madisonboats.com so we can set up a special event waiver that you can share with your participants and track their responses.

Minors On The Water

Kids paddleboarding on a calm lake during daytime, enjoying water sports with family-friendly boats and equipment, surrounded by lush green trees and clear blue sky.

Our goal is to help people of all ages get out and enjoy the wonder of our waters. We encourage you to bring children of any age to our boat houses and ask that you follow our rules for minors. If the child is going out on the water with their parent/legal guardian, we do not have an age restriction, and we have had 2 months old get out on our duck paddle boat.

Reservations With an Adult Other Than Parent/Legal Guardian:

Minors aged 14 to 17 can rent a boat without adult supervision by:

  1.   Having a parent/guardian sign the ONLINE MINOR WAIVER. This is valid only for the day that it is signed, and you must sign it every time your child wants to go out on the water.
  2.   Ensuring the minor wears a PFD at all times.
  3.   Following crew instructions regarding weather and operating the watercraft.

Groups: Camps, Youth groups, Field Trips:

If you are bringing a group of minors without their parents/guardians, we will need a signed waiver for every child. You can have participants use the ONLINE MINOR WAIVER. Or bring a signed Printed Waiver.

THE BEST WAY to get waivers signed is to email admin@madisonboats.com and have them make a event/group waiver for you. You will be able to invite participants and track who has completed the form.

NOTE: All minors without their parent/guardian must wear a PFD AT ALL TIMES. For groups of fewer than four, the adult can remain on shore if actively monitoring the minors at all times. For groups of 4+, a supervising adult must be on the water. We require one adult supervisor for every 10 kids, we strongly suggest a ratio of four kids per adult.

Unsupervised Minors:

DAY PERMISSION FOR 14+

Madison Boats allow minors 14 and older to go out on the water unsupervised by:

  1. Having a parent/guardian sign the ONLINE MINOR WAIVER. This is valid only for the day that it is signed, and you must sign it every time your child wants to go out on the water.
  2. Ensuring the minor wears a PFD at all times.
  3. Following crew instructions regarding weather and operating the watercraft.

BEFORE YOU APPROVE YOUR MINOR TO GO OUT ON THE WATER UNSUPERVISED, PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER:

  • Does my child have the appropriate experience with water and boats to be on the lake without an adult?
  • Does my child have the strength and boating experience to handle the current weather conditions?
  • Does my child have the appropriate maturity to make good decisions when on the water?

Please note that all water sports carry inherent risk, including a real risk of injury and death. We do not provide lifeguards, and staff are not trained in water rescues, nor do they have the ability to monitor the water at all times. Of course, we do our best to provide support and notify officials at the first sign of a problem.

Full Season Permission for 10+

There are many children who are very responsible and experienced and have their parents’ permission to go out on the water without supervision all season long. In these cases, we offer a season-long permission for minors who can demonstrate their knowledge of paddlecraft and understand the risks associated with being on the water. They must:

  1. Receive their Paddle Sports Certificate or complete their Boater Safety Certificate, both available through Boat-ed and valid for life. We suggest the Paddle Sports Certificate as it focuses on paddle sports.
  2. Watch the Madison Boats risk review video. We recommend that both the minor and the guardian view the video.
  3. As the parent or guardian, you will need to sign the Unsupervised Rules and Waiver. It is best if you and the minor do this together.

After completing these steps, your minor/dependent will have the autonomy to rent a boat and venture out on the lake without your presence on-site. They can book online or walk-up but must bring a copy of their boater safety certificate. We understand that this process may seem involved, but it’s rooted in our commitment to ensuring safety and enjoyment for all.

Madison Boats Full Season Minor Waiver
Luxury pontoon boat cruising on a calm lake with a city skyline and historic capitol building in the background, showcasing Madison Boats’ premium freshwater vessels for leisure and entertainment.

Power Boats & Boater Safety

We love help people get out on Lake Mendota and are pleased to offer new pontoon boats that fit up to 12 people. Before you head out on the water, there are a couple of things you should know before renting from us.

  • Please review our complete list of Pontoon Boat Rules before you show up.
  • There were times when we may need to cancel or limit parts of the lake due to weather conditions. If we have to cancel, you will receive a full refund. No refunds will be offered for limitations or less-than-ideal conditions. (Link to Cancelation Policy)
  • Alcohol
    • Captained Pontoon Boats: We do allow participants to bring and consume alcohol on captained rentals (we drive). Please note there is no-tollarnce policy for dangerous, abusive or inappropriate behavior.
    • Self-Driven Pontoon Rentals: NO alcohol is allowed on or in the pontoon, or to be consumed by the driver or participants.
  • Drugs are strictly prohibited for all rentals for all participants.
  • The designated captain (driver) must be at least 25 years old and possess a valid boater safety certificate if born after January 1, 1989.
  • While it’s recommended for all captains to possess the full Boater Safety Certificate that is valid for life, there is a shorter course valid until the end of the calendar year.

Pricing

SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

Kid SUP’s – (Max Capacity: Up to 100lbs.)

  • First Hour: $10
  • Additional Hours: $10

2-4 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 600lbs.)

  • First Hour: $30
  • Additional Hours: $20

4-8 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 1,000lbs.)

  • First Hour: $40
  • Additional Hours: $30

Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 350lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

On-Top Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

On-Top Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

Canoes – (Max Capacity: 2-4 People, 850lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

Solo Canoes – (Max Capacity: 400lbs.)

  • First Hour: $18
  • Additional Hours: $15

Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 4 People, 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $24
  • Additional Hours: $15

Row Boats – (Max Capacity: 3-4 People, 400lbs.)

  • First Hour: $24
  • Additional Hours: $15

Watermats – (Max Capacity: 10 People, 1,500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $40
  • Additional Hours: $30

Duck, Swan & Dragon Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 5 People, 800lbs.)

  • First Hour: $30
  • Additional Hours: $20

8 Passenger Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

Fishing/Cruise Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

12 Passenger Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $105 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $115 Per Hr

Captained Pontoon – (Max Capacity: 10 People)

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $135 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $155 Per Hr