Impact of boat wake:
The larger the wake, the greater the potential for undesirable side effects:
- Loons, & other birds that nest along the shore, choose locations that are protected from waves generated by the prevailing winds. However, boat wake, which can come from any direction, can & does drown the nests & the young, particularly in May & June.
- Boat wake & prop wash churn up sediments in shallow water or at shorelines which releases dormant nutrients that promote weed growth & toxic algal blooms.
- Boat wake can cause shore erosion.
- Boat wake can cause docks & moored boats to rock severely & pull mooring hardware.
- Inexperienced swimmers & young children can be toppled by the size & energy of boat wake.
Legislation & Recommendations
The Small Vessel Regulations stipulate that the legal speed limit for all motor boats is 10 km/h within 30 metres of any shore.
Waterski & Wakeboard Canada strongly recommends that wakeboard boats stay a minimum of 50 metres from any shore & in a minimum of 2 metres depth of water to reduce the effect of shoreline degradation & turbidity.
How You can be Wake Wise
- Respect the shoreline zone. Reduce your speed to less than 10 km/h within 30 metres of any shore – especially our islands.
- Be aware of the size of your wake during displacement, transition & planing speeds. ( for diagram and definitions see pikelake.ca/recreation)
- Position your passengers throughout the boat in order to reduce the time spent in transition speed (i.e. keep the bow down as much as possible)
- Look behind you to see & understand the impact of your wake on shorelines, docks or other structures. Adjust your speed & direction to minimize the impact
- Water-ski, tube, & wake-board well away from all shorelines.
- Consider the size of the wake produced when purchasing a new boat.
Summary: Slow down – bow down
JF
References:
Boater Skills Slow Down Bow Down
Local Authorities’ Guide, Vessel Operation … – Transport Canada
Love Your Lake? Watch Your Wake!