Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Lake house welcome book template

At a lake house, the water is the whole point, so the guide has to cover the dock, the boats and the life jackets clearly. Guests want to know what they can take out, where it's safe to swim and when to bring everything back in.

This template gives you each section with sample text written around waterfront living: dock and watercraft, swimming notes, fishing, and local picks like the marina and the best paddle route.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Welcome

Welcome to [Lake house name]! We hope you spend as much time on the water as you like.

Check-in

Check-in is from [Check-in time].
Enter with code [Door code] at the lakeside door.

Wifi

Network: [Network name]
Password: [Wifi password]
The signal reaches the dock on a good day.

Parking

Please park in [Parking area]. Boat trailers can go [Trailer spot], if you bring one.

How things work

Dock: the boards can be slippery when wet, so please walk, don't run.
Kayaks and paddleboards: [Number and type of watercraft] are in [Storage location]. Paddles and life jackets are on the rack beside them.
Life jackets: please wear one on the water. We have sizes [Sizes available]; children's sizes are in the blue bin.
Swimming: the water is [Depth note, e.g. shallow for 10 metres, then drops off]. There's no lifeguard, so keep an eye on children at all times.
Boat: [Boat note, e.g. the motorboat isn't for guest use / see the boat guide in the drawer].
Fishing: a local fishing licence may be needed; check [Licence info source].

House rules

Up to [Max guests] overnight guests. No parties or events.
Quiet hours [Quiet hours]. Voices travel far over water at night.
Pets: [Pet policy]. No smoking or vaping indoors.

Trash and recycling

Please sort into the bins in [Bin location]. Collection is [Trash day]. Fishing line goes in the small tin by the door so it doesn't end up tangled around wildlife.

Local picks

Gas, bait and ice: [Marina or store name].
Best paddle: [Paddle route, e.g. around the island to the north].
Dinner with a view: [Restaurant name].

Emergency info

Emergency: [Local emergency number]. Address: [Address]. Our dock is [Dock description] if help comes by water.
First aid kit: [Location]. Fire extinguisher: [Location].
Host: [Host name], [Host phone].

Checkout

Checkout is by [Checkout time].
Please bring the kayaks and life jackets back to [Storage location], put used dishes in the sink and gather used towels.
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and leave the key at [Key spot]. Thanks!

Tips

List every watercraft guests may use and anything they may not, so nobody takes the boat out by mistake.
Keep life jackets in a range of sizes, including children's, right next to the kayaks.
Describe the swim area honestly, including drop-offs, weeds or rocks, and remind guests there's no lifeguard.
Add a description of your dock or shoreline to the emergency section in case help arrives by boat.
Don't promise fish or weather; point guests to the local licence and forecast sources instead.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

What should a lake house guidebook cover?

The usual sections plus the waterfront: dock safety, which boats guests can use, where life jackets are, swimming notes and fishing licence info. Local picks should include a marina or bait shop.

Should I provide life jackets at a lake rental?

Yes, it's a sensible step if you offer any watercraft. Keep several sizes, including children's, beside the boats and ask guests to wear them on the water.

Can I ask guests to put the kayaks away at checkout?

Bringing your gear back to where it's stored is a short, reasonable request, like returning keys. Keep the rest of checkout to the light tasks Airbnb allows.

More free templates

All welcome book templates · Every free template

Free to use

Copy it, change it, print it, use it with any platform. Sharing it with a host group, on a blog or in a forum? A link back to this page helps other hosts find the latest version:

https://keegix.com/welcome-book/lake-house/