The Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission along with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Land & Water Resources Department, and County Board Supervisors have been working on making updates to Dane County Code of Ordinances Chapter 71. This ordinance was adopted in May 1991 and was last updated on July 31, 2020.
Purpose: The purpose of the update is to protect public safety on the icebound lakes of Dane County while balancing public access and implementation of the ordinance.
Link to proposed ordinance amendment: 2026 OA-005
Public informational meetings were held on June 17, 2025 and March 4, 2026 to gather comments on potential changes and answer questions. The public was also able to submit comments online through the Land & Water Resources Department website and/or attend Lakes and Watershed Commission Meetings.
Individuals are also welcome to attend upcoming committee meetings and provide comments on the ordinance amendment.
Note – this timeline is subject to change based on committee meeting schedules. Please use Dane County’s Legislative Information Center for official meeting dates and agendas.
Q. Why is the floatation requirement being removed?
A. Ordinance amendments passed in 2020 no longer require inspections of flotation devices. There are currently no commercially available floatation products being made. Requiring that Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) be worn by individuals also increases the likelihood of the person staying afloat should they go through the ice.
Q. What happens to the vehicle if it falls through the ice if floatation is no longer required?
A. State law requires that the vehicle be removed from the water or the individual who owns the vehicle may face a fine.
Q. Can the ordinance be changed so that I can ride 2 people on my ATV?
A. No, the law limiting the number of riders on an ATV is a state law that would supersede this ordinance.
Q. Can I wear my Flotation Suit instead of a PFD and still meet the requirements of the ordinance?
A. Likely Not, most common Flotation Suits do not meet the Wearable PFD definition of this ordinance. There are some exceptions. You would need check and see if your suit meets the definition under WI Administrative Code (NR 5001(17a)).
Kyle Minks, Watershed Manager
(608) 669-1864
minks.kyle@danecounty.gov
