Safety on board on Lake Geneva: equipment, lifejackets, alcohol

Equipment on the Swiss side

One approved lifejacket per person on board, suited to their weight (adult or child). The rest of the minimum equipment depends on the type of boat: it is set out in annex 15 of the federal ordinance on inland navigation. Paddleboards and boards: a buoyancy aid beyond 300 m from the shore (Geneva).

Equipment on the French side

In 2016 the French ministry set the equipment required on pleasure boats in inland waters, with rules specific to Lake Geneva:

• for all: one personal flotation device per person, a means of fighting fire, a bailing device (if the boat is not self-draining or has a cabin), a mooring point and a mooring line;
• in addition, on Lake Geneva: an anchor line with its anchor (exemption possible under 250 kg), a waterproof lamp or a light-based locating device, and a sound signalling device;
• more than 3700 m from the shore: a compass or a waterproof GPS that works as a compass, three red hand flares and a chart of the waters (paper or electronic); lifejackets must then be at least 100 newtons (50 closer in);
• boards, kitesurfs, kayaks, paddleboards and rowing boats: a buoyancy aid worn at all times.

Also on the French side, a lifejacket must be worn at night, in fog, on an unprotected deck, and during a strong-wind or storm warning.

Alcohol and fitness to helm

In Geneva, you are unfit to helm a boat from 0,5 ‰ in the blood (0,25 mg/l in exhaled air), as on the road; drugs also make you unfit. The Lake Geneva regulations forbid anyone unfit to do so from helming, notably due to alcohol abuse (art. 2).

Before you set off

• The weather for when you return, not just when you leave — reading the lake weather.
• Your phone charged, in a waterproof pouch; tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
• Navigation lights in working order if you might be back late — which lights to show.

Open the Lake Geneva map

See also

The Navigating Lake Geneva guide, and: Boat licence, Right of way, buoyage, lights, Speeds and zones, Emergencies and rescue, Water sports: the rules.