Beginning January 1, 2026, Oregon residents and visitors will need to purchase a Waterway Access Permit for nearly all types of non-motorized watercraft on the state’s rivers, lakes, and other navigable waterways — including what some may consider harmless recreational floatation devices.
House Bill 2982, passed by the Oregon Legislature and signed into law in 2025, significantly broadens the definition of a “boat” under state law. Under the new rules, any floating device that is not a single, standalone inner tube will now be subject to regulation and must carry a valid Waterway Access Permit. This includes kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts, paddleboards, and even multiple inner tubes tied together — which, under the new language, are officially classified as watercraft.
State officials say the expanded permitting requirement is intended to support critical investments in Oregon’s water recreation infrastructure. Funds collected through the permit program will go toward the maintenance of boat ramps, safety signage, life jacket stations, invasive species education, and waterway law enforcement — services that benefit all water users, regardless of whether they’re paddling a canoe or floating down a river in a group of inflatable tubes.
Previously, Waterway Access Permits were only required for non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer, such as kayaks and drift boats. Floaters on inner tubes, pool toys, or other casual inflatables were not included unless they fell within that length or design threshold. House Bill 2982 eliminates many of those exemptions, drawing a firmer regulatory line around what constitutes a boat.
The legislation was introduced amid concerns about increased crowding on rivers, safety risks posed by unregulated floatation devices, and a need for consistent funding to support Oregon’s growing outdoor recreation economy. Lawmakers backing the bill said that as river recreation becomes more popular, especially during the summer months, the burden on state-managed water resources has increased.
Under the new law, single-person inner tubes remain exempt from the permit requirement, as long as they are not attached to any other device or float. However, once two or more tubes are connected — even informally with a rope — the setup qualifies as a “boat” under the new definition, triggering the permit requirement.
The permit will be available through the Oregon State Marine Board’s website and approved retailers, with options for one-week, one-year, or two-year durations. Pricing is expected to remain consistent with current rates: $7 for one week, $17 for one year, and $30 for two years.
Enforcement will fall to the Oregon State Police, county marine patrols, and other authorized waterway officers. Officials have stated they plan to prioritize education over citation in the early months of implementation, especially for casual floaters who may be unaware of the law change.
As the new year approaches, water recreation enthusiasts are encouraged to review the updated requirements and ensure compliance before launching on Oregon’s rivers and lakes. Whether floating on a raft or linking inner tubes with friends, 2026 will mark a new era of accountability on Oregon’s waters.