Worcester Jet Ski Ban Up For City Council Approval

WORCESTER, MA — The rest of this summer — and all of next summer — might be a little bit calmer on Indian Lake.

The Worcester City Council on Tuesday will vote on a proposed Indian Lake jet ski ban. The law would temporarily ban the personal watercraft through Sept. 30, 2022. The limited ban will allow the city to gauge its effectiveness, according to a summary by City Solicitor Michael Taynor. Anyone caught defying the ban would face a $300 fine per offense.

The jet ski ban was the subject of an hours-long meeting last month in District 1 Councilor Sean Rose's Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee. Indian Lake residents told Councilors the speedy jet skis were a major hazard — to people swimming in the lake, wildlife and between jet ski users.

If the Council approves the ban on Tuesday, the director of the Massachusetts Environmental Police would still have to sign off. The city would also have to publish a notice of the ban at least five days before it could go into effect.

Even if the ban is approved, there are several options for jet ski owners in the area. Personal watercraft are allowed on Lake Quinsigamond and Lake Chaubunagungamaug in Webster.

Correction: An earlier version of this story was unclear about a committee vote on the ban. The Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee had discussed a ban for non-residents only, but City Attorney Michael Traynor advised that would not be allowed.