[briansnat]

Odds are it's private property if it passes that close to a home. As I understand it, if it is tidal then you can be there as long as you aren't above the high tide mark. If it is a navigable waterway then you are allowed to be there as long as you are in a boat. As to who owns the land under the water it varies from state to state, but I think in most states (not sure about NJ) the property owner owns the land under the stream so you would need permission to stand in the stream, but not to float on it.