Dear Jody, I wanted to plan a day out on paddle boards on the Aegeri Lake. Is there anything I need to know in advance? xx Paddle Girl

May 20
2 min read

Dear Paddle Girl, A day out on the lake with friends can be such a fun summer activity, but there are a few important SUP and lake safety rules in Switzerland that are really good to know before heading out.

The main one people often don’t realize is the 300-meter rule. If you paddle more than 300 meters away from the shore, you are required to carry a life jacket or approved buoyancy aid on your board. You don’t necessarily have to wear it, but it must be with you.

Your board should also have your:

• Name

• Address

• Phone number

This helps authorities identify the owner if a board drifts away.

A few other important things to know:

Stay out of swimming zones and protected nature areas
Keep distance from reeds and wildlife areas• Watch out for boats and ferries, SUPs do not have the right of way
A leash is recommended on lakes so your board doesn’t drift away if you fall in
If paddling at night or when visibility is poor, you need a white light on your board

One very important safety tip here in the Ägeri Valley is to keep an eye on the storm warning lights around the lake.

There are warning lights in places, including Oberägeri and Morgarten. These lights are there to warn lake users about approaching storms and dangerous weather conditions.

A slowly flashing orange light means strong winds or bad weather may be possible. This is your sign to stop paddling further away from shore and begin making your way back.
A rapidly flashing orange light means danger is imminent. Strong winds or storms are expected very soon, and you should get off the water immediately.

The weather on Swiss lakes can change very quickly, especially during summer afternoons and evenings, so it is always worth checking the forecast before heading out and keeping aware while on the water.

And yes… the alcohol limit applies to the water too in Switzerland. So be careful out there and have some fun.