Sometimes signs on the shore are used instead of, or in addition to, marks in the water. Examples of boating signs include “No boating zone”, “special purpose zone” or prohibited zone”.

Access lanes are solely for waterskiing or for launching or retrieving a vessel at a boat ramp when the ramp is located in that area. Access lanes are marked by beacons or signs on the shore with each boundary being delineated by the alignment of an orange disc and a black and yellow triangle beacon. Access lanes provide access to the shore for waterskiers at speeds greater than 5 knots when otherwise it might not be possible. Bathers are not permitted within an access lane.

Special purpose areas such as waterskiing only, PWC or kite boarding areas may also use onshore beacons to delineate the zone. In this case an orange disc may be used with a black and white triangle.