Boating Etiquette to Protect Our Lake

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Summer is just around the corner, and our boating days are upon us! We can’t wait to get out on a boat to go tubing, fishing, or take a sunset cruise and enjoy all that Lake Leelanau has to offer. Boating is a wonderful way to enjoy being on Lake Leelanau, but there are some special things to consider so that everyone can stay safe and our lake remains healthy. Please read and share this week’s article to learn about safe boating practices to protect our lake and all of those who love it.

Little-Known Impacts of Boating

We all love getting out on the lake and having fun, but our boating habits can have unintended effects on the environment and others. Here are some common issues caused by boating—and simple ways to avoid them.

    • Shoreline erosion and damage to shoreline structures: Operating boats too fast in “no wake zones” can create enough wave energy to erode the shoreline and damage docks and other shoreline structures.
    • Bottomland degradation and destruction of fish habitat: The wave energy from boats in the nearshore areas or wake boats in wake sport mode in less than 20 feet of water can reach the bottom of the lake. This can cause harm to the lake’s bottomland, which is especially important for native aquatic vegetation and fish spawning habitat. The lake is a living ecosystem; every part of it matters.
    • Bottom scrubbing and mixing of pollutants in the water: The wave energy produced from the downward thrust from wake boats can be so strong that it “scrubs” the bottom sediment in the lake. Below this layer, there can be pollutants that have accumulated under the sediment, things like excess phosphorus or chemicals from decades-old pest treatments that are no longer permitted for use because they are not safe. Bottom scrubbing can release these pollutants that were dormant under the sediment and reintroduce them into our lake.
    • Fragmentation of Eurasian watermilfoil: Fast-moving boats or wake boats in wake sport mode create waves that are so strong they can break strands of the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. This can create fragments that can move to other parts of the lake and create new infestations. 
    • Endangerment of personal watercraft users: Waves from fast-moving boats or wake boats in wake sport mode can create waves so strong that they can capsize people in personal watercraft like kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards.

After reviewing studies on the topic, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommended in 2023 that the legislature restrict certain boating activities due to water quality concerns—including damage to shorelines, bottomlands, and fish habitat. In addition to these environmental impacts, increased wave action can also pose safety risks for other boaters and recreational lake users. Furthermore, the DNR states that ballast tanks should be completely drained prior to transporting the watercraft over land to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and pathogens. Read the DNR’s full report here.

"Wake sport" mode should not be used within 500 feet of shore
"Wake sport" mode should not be used within 500 feet of shore

Recreate Responsibly

As boats have gotten bigger and more advanced, so has their potential impact on our lake. While very fun, wake boats operating in wake sport mode can do serious harm to our lake if not operated properly, as you read about above. Wake boats are typically lightweight boats with deep V-shaped hulls, engines over 350 horsepower, and ballast systems to strengthen the wake. The design of a wake boat is unlike any other vessel used on inland lakes and streams when boating laws were first adopted. Growing research shows that these boats can have serious impacts when best practices aren’t followed—and per the DNR's recommendation, Michigan lawmakers are now considering a bill to regulate their operation. Please follow the guidelines below when operating a wake boat.

Wake Boat Operators' Best Practices for Boats in "Wake Sport" Mode

  • Do not operate within a minimum of 500 feet of the shoreline.
  • Do not operate in water less than 20 feet deep.
  • Avoid operating near sandbars.
  • Have a forward-looking spotter to observe obstacles, paddlers, swimmers, boats, etc.
  • Avoid turning in tight circles, as doing so will increase wave height and frequency.
  • Drain ballast tanks prior to transporting the boat over land to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and pathogens.

Where to use wake boats on Lake Leelanau – an interactive map

Although not yet law, operating wake boats at least 500 feet or more from a shore or dock, at a depth of 20 feet or more will help reduce the environmental impacts of wake boats. To better understand this distance from the shoreline, consider that a football field is about 300 feet long – so the recommended distance is nearly the length of two football fields.

Given the varying widths and depths of Lake Leelanau, the LLLA has provided maps of where “wake sport” mode should occur to be protective of fisheries, shorelines and bottomlands. The LLLA encourages wake boaters to use this map to ensure they enjoy their watercraft without posing threats to shoreline or underwater habitats.

You can also view the interactive map here.

State of Michigan Boating Rules

We can have fun on the lake while also keeping everyone and everything safe. Please follow these simple rules (per the State of Michigan’s Boating Law) while you are operating your boat or personal watercraft (PWC).

  1. A person shall maintain a distance of 100 feet from any dock, boat, raft, buoyed or occupied swimming area while driving at other than slow - no wake speed.
  2. A person shall not cross within 150 feet behind another vessel other than a personal watercraft that is moving at greater than a slow - no wake speed.
  3. A person shall not operate a PWC in waters less than two feet deep unless traveling at a slow no - wake speed.
  4. A person shall not operate a PWC on the waters of this state from one hour before sunset to 8:00 A.M local time.
  5. Maneuvers that endanger life, limb, or property, including weaving through congested traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel, or turning unnecessarily close to another other vessel and/or swerving at the last moment to avoid a collision constitutes reckless operation of a vessel.
  6. A personal watercraft shall not be operated at speeds in excess of 55 mph except where otherwise posted.
  7. Approved PFDs must be worn during operation.
  8. A person of less than fourteen years of age may not legally operate a PWC under any circumstances.
  9. A person who was born on or after December 31, 1978, shall not operate a PWC on Michigan waters unless they have obtained a boating safety certificate. (See Boating Safety class resources below.)

“Slow - No Wake” means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering while not creating a wake. Your boat speed should be less than 5 mph.

Dive Flag rule

Protect The Narrows

These rules are particularly important in the section of the lake between North and South Lake Leelanau, otherwise known as “The Narrows”. This section of the lake is highly vulnerable to the negative impacts of boating listed above because it is a shallow and narrow section that is susceptible to erosion and bottomland degradation.

We all want to have a great time boating on Lake Leelanau this summer. Please do your part to keep the lake and those who enjoy it safe.

Other Resources

Sources for the above article include the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, Michigan Legislature, Michigan Waterfront Alliance, and others.

 

Main photo credit: Stephanie Gilbreath

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