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Why aren't the numbers on the actual buoys on the lake?

For the same reason that a you don't have your name taped to your forehead. The numbers on the charts give the buoys individualism and uniqueness, but they're not obvious when "meeting" that certain buoy on the lake. Number #429, below, for example, has the location 43°36.130 latitude, 71°24.852 longitude, it's on Lake Winnipesaukee, and it's a black-top (cardinal) buoy. You don't need to know all those things, but they are part of the information on a table of buoys under buoy number #429. The "a" stands for "approximate." The buoy has moved slightly in the chart so as not to crowd the other buoys.

The buoy number #429 does not "wear" a number #429.

The one exception to this is light numbered buoys, which have the numbers right on their spars. The light numbered buoys are the black or red-top numbered buoys on the chart. For example, #53 and #42 are the red-top light numbered buoys in the illustration below. #425 and #200 are thier partners. Go around both of them, as in the illustration.

For more on the buoy numbering system, see buoys, Buoys and their numbers.