Boat Rules & Safety Guidelines

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on Lake Lewisville, all renters and passengers must follow the rules below at all times.

By renting from BoatByVal, you agree to comply with these guidelines.

Failure to follow these rules may result in early termination of the rental without refund and/or additional charges.
BoatByVal reserves the right to deny, cancel, or end any rental at any time if safety concerns arise.

Full waiver and rental agreement will be provided prior to departure.

1. 👤 Captain / Operator Responsibility

The individual driving the boat (“Captain”) is fully responsible for:

  • The safe operation of the boat

  • All passengers on board

  • Compliance with all safety rules and applicable laws

  • Enforcing all BoatByVal rules at all times

All instructions provided by BoatByVal must be followed.

BoatByVal reserves the right to refuse or cancel a rental if the Captain is deemed unfit, impaired, or unable to safely operate the boat.

2. ⏱️ Arrival Time & Rental Duration

  • Renters must arrive on time for their scheduled rental

  • Late arrivals may result in reduced time on the water with no refund

  • Rental time begins and ends at the agreed-upon time

⛽ Extra Time & Fuel Responsibility

If the boat is kept beyond the agreed rental time, the renter is responsible for:

  • Additional rental time

  • Additional fuel usage

If the boat runs out of fuel due to extended use without prior approval, the renter is fully responsible for:

  • Fuel costs

  • Towing or rescue costs

  • Any additional fees incurred

3. ⚠️ Mandatory Safety Rules

The following rules apply at all times:

  • Maximum capacity: 12 persons (10 adults + 2 kids or similar mix) — do not exceed

  • All passengers must remain seated while the boat is moving

  • No sitting, standing, or riding on gates, railings, or edges

  • Weight must be evenly distributed — no crowding at the front

  • Operate at safe speeds — no reckless driving or sharp turns

  • Captain must remain sober at all times

  • No jumping or entering the water while the boat is moving

  • Engine must be completely OFF before anyone enters the water

  • Life jackets are required when swimming

  • Swim only in safe, low-traffic areas

  • Stay clear of marinas, docks, bridges, and high-traffic zones

  • No towing, tubing, or dragging any objects or persons

  • Return immediately if weather or water conditions become unsafe

BoatByVal reserves the right to end the rental early if unsafe behavior occurs.

4. 🏊 Swimming Rules (Lake Lewisville)

Swimming is only allowed in safe, approved areas in accordance with Lake Lewisville and Texas Parks & Wildlife guidelines.

Swimming is strictly prohibited:

  • Near marinas

  • Near docks or bridges

  • In boat traffic lanes

  • In restricted or unsafe areas

The Captain is responsible for ensuring no passenger enters the water in unauthorized areas.

Violations may result in:

  • Immediate termination of the rental (no refund)

  • Responsibility for fines, penalties, or injuries

5. 🎓 Age & Boater Education Requirement

To operate a BoatByVal pontoon boat:

  • The Captain must be 32 years of age or older, OR

  • Captains under 32 must present a valid Texas Boater Education Certificate before departure

FREE Texas Boater Education Course:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/boater-education/

If this requirement is not met, the rental will not proceed and no refund will be issued.

6. 🍹 Alcohol & Substance Policy

  • The Captain must remain sober while operating the boat

  • Operating the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited

Any citations, damages, injuries, or legal consequences related to alcohol or substance use are the sole responsibility of the Captain.

7. 👨‍👩‍👧 Passenger Conduct & Safety

  • Passenger capacity limits must never be exceeded

  • Children must be supervised at all times

  • Reckless or unsafe behavior is strictly prohibited, including:

    • Speeding

    • Sharp turns

    • Wake violations

    • Standing or sitting on railings while the boat is moving

All safety equipment must be used as instructed.

BoatByVal reserves the right to end the rental early if unsafe behavior occurs.

8. 🧾 Damage, Loss & Cleaning Responsibility

The renter is financially responsible for:

  • Any damage to the boat, motor, or equipment

  • Lost or damaged items (anchors, ropes, safety gear, speakers, etc.)

  • Excessive cleaning due to spills, trash, stains, or bodily fluids

Repair, replacement, cleaning, and downtime costs may be charged to the payment method on file.

9. ⛅ Weather & Lake Conditions

  • Rentals operate rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by BoatByVal

  • All decisions regarding weather and lake conditions are final

  • Early returns due to personal preference or discomfort are not refundable

10. ⛔ Termination of Rental

BoatByVal may terminate a rental without refund if:

  • Rules are violated

  • Unsafe or illegal behavior occurs

  • The Captain fails to follow instructions

  • Passengers are placed at risk

11. 📌 Acknowledgment

By renting from BoatByVal, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understand these rules

  • You agree to follow them fully

  • You accept responsibility for the vessel, passengers, and any associated costs

📍 Questions?

If you have questions about these rules before your rental, please contact us:

BoatByVal
Lake Lewisville, Texas
📧 boatbyval@gmail.com
📞 469-365-945