# COMAR Title 08 — Department of Natural Resources

## Subtitle 18 — Boating — Speed Limits and Operation of Vessels

### Chapter 25 — South River

**Authority:** Natural Resources Article, §§8-703 and 8-704, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: February 3, 1992 (19:2 Md. R. 153)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective June 8, 1992 (19:11 Md. R. 1013); June 24, 2013 (40:12 Md. R. 1041)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .02—.04 repealed and new Regulations .02—.05 adopted effective June 8, 1992 (19:11 Md. R. 1013)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective June 24, 2013 (40:12 Md. R. 1041); March 28, 2016 (43:6 Md. R. 406)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02D amended effective November 1, 2021 (48:22 Md. R. 937)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02F amended effective March 13, 2017 (44:5 Md. R. 291)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02G adopted effective May 18, 1998 (25:10 Md. R. 746)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective June 24, 2013 (40:12 Md. R. 1041)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03B amended effective February 1, 1993 (20:2 Md. R. 112)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective June 24, 2013 (40:12 Md. R. 1041)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04H amended effective February 16, 2026 (53:3 Md. R. 121)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed effective March 28, 2016 (43:6 Md. R. 406)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05B, C amended effective June 24, 2013 (40:12 Md. R. 1041)

#### Regulation .01 South River.

*COMAR 08.18.25.01*

The South River encompasses all the waters of the South River and its tributaries westerly of a line beginning at Thomas Point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.433' N., Long. 76° 27.615' W., then running 227° (True) to Saunders Point, at or near Lat. 38° 53.108' N., Long. 76° 29.445' W.

#### Regulation .02 South River Proper.

*COMAR 08.18.25.02*

A. Lower South River Area. This encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at Thomas Point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.433’ N., Long. 76° 27.615’ W., then running 227° (True) to Saunders Point, at or near Lat. 38° 53.108’ N., Long. 76° 29.445’ W., and downstream of a line beginning at Shadow Point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.783’ N., Long. 76° 32.981’ W., then running 32° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.057’ N., Long. 76° 32.762’ W. Except as otherwise restricted, the speed limits for this area are:

  (1) 35 knots from sunrise to sunset during the boating season; and

  (2) 20 knots from sunset to sunrise during the boating season.

B. Route 2 Bridge Area. This encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 56.783’ N., Long. 76° 32.981’ W., then running 32° (True) to Shadow Point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.057’ N., Long. 76° 32.762’ W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.916’N., Long. 76° 33.429’ W., then running 358° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.377’ N., Long. 76° 33.447’ W., and not including Warehouse and Gingerville Creeks. Except as otherwise restricted, the speed limit for this area is 6 knots.

C. Area Between Riva Bridge and Route 2 Bridge. This encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point Lat. 38° 56.916’ N., Long. 76° 33.429’ W., then running 358° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.377’ N., Long. 76° 33.447’ W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.229’ N., Long. 76° 34.330’ W., then running 30° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.451’ N., Long. 76° 34.166’ W. Except as otherwise restricted, the speed limits for this area are:

  (1) 35 knots from sunrise to sunset during the boating season; and

  (2) 20 knots from sunset to sunrise during the boating season.

D. Riva Bridge Area.

  (1) Area. All of the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38°57.229' N, Long. 76°34.330' W; then running 30° True to a point, at or near Lat. 38°57.451' N, Long. 76°34.166' W; and downstream of a line beginning at a point, at or near Lat. 38°57.211' N, Long. 76°34.545' W; then running 20° True to Addison Point, at or near Lat. 38°57.495' N, Long. 76°34.412' W.

  (2) The speed limit for the area described in §D(1) of this regulation is 6 knots at all times.

E. Area Between Riva Bridge and Upper South River Controlled Ski Area. This encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.211’ N., Long. 76° 34.545’ W., then running 20° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.495’ N., Long. 76° 34.412’ W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point, at or near Lat. 38° 58.637’ N., Long. 76° 36.365’ W., then running 72° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 58.685’ N., Long. 76° 36.177’ W. Except as otherwise restricted, the speed limits for this area are:

  (1) 35 knots from sunrise to sunset during the boating season; and

  (2) 20 knots from sunset to sunrise during the boating season.

F. Upper South River Controlled Ski Area. This encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 58.085’ N., Long. 76° 36.013’ W., then running 65° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 58.168’ N., Long. 76° 35.780’ W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 58.637’ N., Long. 76° 36.365’ W., then running 72° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 58.685’ N., Long. 76° 36.177’ W. Except as otherwise restricted, the speed limit for this area are:

  (1) 35 knots from sunrise to sunset during the boating season; and

  (2) 20 knots from sunset to sunrise during the boating season;

  (3) This area may have a controlled ski course as set forth in COMAR 08.04.16.

  (4) Minimum wake zone when vessels displaying a DNR Ski Sticker are using the permitted controlled ski course.

G. Route 50 Bridge Area. This encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 58.637’ N., Long. 76° 36.365’ W., then running 72° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 58.685’ N., Long. 76° 36.177’ W., and running to the head of the river. Except as otherwise restricted, the speed limit for this area is a minimum wake zone.

#### Regulation .03 South River South Shore.

*COMAR 08.18.25.03*

A. The South River south shore areas, with their corresponding speed limits, are set forth in §B—L of this regulation.

B. Almshouse Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at or near Lat. 38° 56.677' N., Long. 76° 32.573' W., then running 184° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.543' N., Long. 76° 32.587' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

C. Beards Creek.

  (1) Lower Beards Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at the mouth of the creek, at or near Lat. 38° 57.005' N., Long. 76° 34.262' W., then running 281° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.033' N., Long. 76° 34.442' W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.172' N., Long. 76° 34.913' W., then running 350° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.278' N., Long. 76° 34.937' W. This area has a:

    (a) 6-knot speed limit Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, during the boating season;

    (b) 20-knot speed limit, weekdays, sunset to sunrise, during the boating season;

    (c) 35-knot speed limit, weekdays, sunrise to sunset, during the boating season.

  (2) Upper Beards Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 56.172' N., Long. 76° 34.913' W., then running 350° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.278' N., Long. 76° 34.937' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a minimum wake zone all year.

D. Brewer Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at or near Lat. 38° 55.798' N., Long. 76° 31.557' W., then running 147° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.593' N., Long. 76° 31.383' W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.432' N., Long. 76° 31.528' W., then running 305° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.450' N., Long. 76° 31.562' W. This area has a 6-knot speed limit Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, during the boating season.

E. Flat Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.630' N., Long. 76° 35.768' W., then running 110° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.590' N., Long. 76° 35.630' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a minimum wake zone all year.

F. Glebe Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 55.800' N., Long. 76° 32.462' W., then running 261° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.780' N., Long. 76° 32.615' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit, during the boating season.

G. Granville Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.425' N., Long. 76° 34.920' W., then running 297° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.445' N., Long. 76° 34.970' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

H. Pocahontas Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 55.432' N., Long. 76° 31.528' W., then running 305° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.450' N., Long. 76° 31.562' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

I. Ramsay Lake.

  (1) The Turkey Point bridge area at Ramsay Lake encompasses the area south of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 54.115' N., Long. 76° 30.432' W., then running 261° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.097' N., Long. 76° 30.578' W., and north of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 54.062' N., Long. 76° 30.543' W., then running 82° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.075' N., Long. 76° 30.417' W. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

  (2) Ramsay Lake encompasses the area south of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 54.062' N., Long. 76° 30.543' W., then running 82° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.075' N., Long. 76° 30.417' W., and north of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 54.313' N., Long. 76° 29.720' W., then running 131° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.232' N., Long. 76° 29.600' W., including all tributaries. This area has a 6-knot speed limit Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, all year.

J. Selby Bay encompasses the area south of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 54.708' N., Long. 76° 30.373' W., then running 136° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.462' N., Long. 76° 30.070' W., and north of a line beginning at a point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.115' N., Long. 76° 30.432' W., then running 261° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 54.097' N., Long. 76° 30.578' W., including all tributaries. This area has a 6-knot speed limit Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, all year.

K. Cedar Point Cove (Spring Lake) encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.007' N., Long. 76° 33.912' W., then running 90° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.007' N., Long. 76° 33.893' W., and running to the head of the cove. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

L. Warehouse Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 56.738' N., Long. 76° 33.203' W., then running 152° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.687' N., Long. 76° 33.168' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

#### Regulation .04 South River North Shore.

*COMAR 08.18.25.04*

A. The South River north shore areas, with their corresponding speed limits, are set forth in §§B—L of this regulation.

B. Aberdeen Creek.

  (1) Lower Aberdeen Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 56.510' N., Long. 76° 31.400' W., then running 91° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.507' N., Long. 76° 31.232' W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 56.787' N., Long. 76° 31.263' W., then running 82° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.800' N., Long. 76° 31.140' W. This area has a 6-knot speed limit Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, during the boating season.

  (2) Upper Aberdeen Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 56.787' N., Long. 76° 31.263' W., then running 82° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.800' N., Long. 76° 31.140' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit, during the boating season.

C. Boyd Point Cove encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.380' N., Long. 76° 33.960' W., then running 79° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.383' N., Long. 76° 33.938' W., and running to the head of the cove. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

D. Broad Creek.

  (1) Lower Broad Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at Porter Point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.547' N., Long. 76° 34.625' W., then running 110° (True) to Addison Point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.495' N., Long. 76° 34.447' W., and downstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 58.113' N., Long. 76° 34.538' W., then running 281° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 58.127' N., Long. 76° 34.625' W. This area has a:

    (a) 20-knot speed limit, sunset to sunrise, during the boating season;

    (b) 35-knot speed limit, sunrise to sunset, during the boating season.

  (2) Upper Broad Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 58.113' N., Long. 76° 34.538' W., then running 281° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 58.127' N., Long. 76° 34.625' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a:

    (a) 6-knot speed limit Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, during the boating season;

    (b) 20-knot speed limit, weekdays, sunset to sunrise, during the boating season;

    (c) 35-knot speed limit, weekdays, sunrise to sunset, during the boating season.

E. Cherrytree Cove encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 55.412' N., Long. 76° 28.992' W., then running 152° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.217' N., Long. 76° 28.857' W., and running to the head of the cove. This area has a minimum wake zone all year.

F. Church Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.115' N., Long. 76° 32.412' W., then running 84° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.128' N., Long. 76° 32.258' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit, during the boating season.

G. Crab Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.128' N., Long. 76° 32.078' W., then running 55° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.197' N., Long. 76° 31.955' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit, during the boating season.

H. Duvall Creek.

  (1) Area. All of the waters north of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 55.652' N., Long. 76° 29.425' W., then running 116° True to a point at or near Lat. 38° 55.542' N., Long. 76° 29.140' W.

  (2) The speed limit for the area described in §H(1) of this regulation is 6 knots during the boating season.

I. Gingerville Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 57.332' N., Long. 76° 33.372' W., then running 61° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 57.377' N., Long. 76° 33.268' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

J. Harness Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 55.942' N., Long. 76° 30.900' W., then running 92° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.933' N., Long. 76° 30.640' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

K. Hillsmere Lake encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 55.685' N., Long. 76° 30.073' W., then running 322° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 55.692' N., Long. 76° 30.080' W., and running to the head of the lake. This area has a 6-knot speed limit all year.

L. Little Aberdeen Creek encompasses the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Lat. 38° 56.773' N., Long. 76° 31.740' W., then running 111° (True) to a point, at or near Lat. 38° 56.747' N., Long. 76° 31.652' W., and running to the head of the creek. This area has a 6-knot speed limit, during the boating season.