Boating Etiquette - Making the right waves
Etiquette starts at the ramp
Boating etiquette starts at the loading dock, before you even enter the water. Don't get into position to launch your boat until you've done everything to prevent wasted time on the ramp. Anything less is disrespectful to your fellow boaters. Also, be sure to check your boat for any invasive hitchhikers and remove them before launching.
Mind your wake
The fastest way to make the wrong kind of waves is to literally throw a big, obtrusive wake at another boat, dock or shoreline. A big wake can be more than a nuisance. It can be a danger, or at least scary, to small children on the dock or in floatation devices close to shore. It's also an annoyance to those enjoying a relaxing paddle board or kayak trip around the lake. If you're pulling a skier or tube, stay toward the middle of the lake where your wake will not be so large as it moves toward shore. Give a wide berth and slow down as you come close. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own wake and accountable for any damage caused by it. Maintain a no-wake speed within 200 feet of the shore and/or wildlife such as loons.
Cross at an angle
Heading into the wake perpendicularly may launch you over it and land you in the deepest part of the trough between waves, and you could roll if you cross it with the boat's beam. Heading into the wake diagonally, with the bow at a 30- to 45-degree angle into the wave may help minimuze impact. If you're about to cross a larger wake, it's a good idea to let the passengers of your boat know so they can brace themselves.
Safety Gear
Be sure to have proper safety gear onboard. Here are some items to consider:
- Throwable floatation device or rescue sling
- Lifejackets for all (children under 10 years old must wear a lifejacket while underway)
- Navigational lights must be in working order for boating after dark
- Boat ladder
- Fire extinguisher
- Anchor and rope
- Bilge pump/bailer
- Horn or whistle
Carry in - Carry out
Taking care of one's own trash should be common sense, but the appearance of items on our shoreline or floating in the water after a holiday weekend is evidence that not everyone is as aware as they should be. Remind guests to keep cans, bottles, glasses and other debris contained so as to prevent it from falling into the water by accident. Stow your trash until you return to a place of proper disposal.
Offer to help
Friendliness among boaters and the willingness to help one another are what make boating so special. Keep that tradition alive. If you see a boater in potential distress, safely make your way toward them to determine if there is something you can do to help. Be cautious as there may be people in the water around the boat.
Keep a reasonable distance from the loons
The loons are an important part of our lake's charm. As a boater, please be aware of their presence and keep a reasonable distance from loons and their nest. Never swamp the nest with your wake as it could cause destruction of the nest, damage the eggs, or harm the chicks. Also, although adult loons can dive to avoid being run over by a boat, a baby loon is not able to dive for protection. Be respectful and give our loons a wide berth.