Speeds and restricted areas on Lake Geneva

The 300 m shore zone

Along every shore, a band of 300 m. Motor boats may travel there at no more than 10 km/h (about 5,4 knots), unless a different local limit applies (Lake Geneva regulations, art. 70). This is where the swimmers, small craft and aquatic plant beds are.

In harbours

• Swiss harbours: 10 km/h unless another limit is posted at the entrance — for example 6 km/h at Lutry.
• French public harbours: 5 km/h.
• Everywhere, when approaching jetties and in channels: slow enough not to make a wash, fast enough to steer.

Geneva's own rules

• Beyond the 300 m, downstream of the line from the Port-Noir north breakwater to the Perle-du-Lac landing stage: 30 km/h at most.
• In the Rade, downstream of the line from the Pâquis jetty to the Jet d'eau jetty: no unpowered craft, and no licence-free hire boats skippered by customers.
• On the Rhône: navigation prohibited between the Mont-Blanc bridge and below the Seujet dam, and around the Verbois and Chancy-Pougny dams, unless authorised.
• No anchoring in harbours (the Rade included) nor, downstream of the Port-Noir – Perle-du-Lac line, in the 300 m shore zone.

Prohibited or restricted areas

• Yellow buoys: area closed to navigation; motor boats and other water craft keep out.
• Swimming: prohibited in public harbours, in front of their entrances and near landing stages; on the French side, navigation is prohibited in marked swimming areas from 30 April to 1 October.
• Bird reserves, reed beds, areas in front of vegetation: see reserves and natural habitats.

In the app, the “Restricted areas” map layer (Harbours and safety menu) shows these areas; the exact wording of the restriction always prevails.

Open the Lake Geneva map

See also

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