In Wisconsin, it is illegal to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) at a speed in excess of Slow-No-Wake within 200 feet of the shoreline of any lake. Slow-No-Wake is defined as the slowest speed possible while maintaining steerage of the watercraft. This law regulating PWC use is more restrictive than the law which requires all watercraft to operate at Slow-No-Wake speed within 100 feet of docks, piers, and buoyed restricted areas. While this law assists in reducing shoreline erosion, the primary purpose is to reduce noise pollution to waterfront residences.

A quick look at a map of the Spread Eagle Chain shows that a large part of the lake system restricts PWC operators to Slow-No-Wake speed. This is due to the geography and relatively small size of the lakes, and the narrow channels between the lakes. In fact, the only areas on the chain where speeds above Slow-No-Wake are allowed is in the middle of the larger lakes. The only point of land between lakes where PWC’s can legally operate above Slow-No-Wake speed is the channel separating the east side of Bass Island and the east shore of Bass Lake.

Warden Kelly Crotty of Florence reports that the biggest problem he has observed on the chain is PWC’s traveling at speeds above Slow-No-Wake through the channels and narrow points of land. Crotty stated that some PWC operators have complained that slowing down immediately before traveling through these channels is dangerous if another boat is traveling at a high speed behind the PWC. Crotty agreed, and suggested that PWC operators keep constant watch behind the PWC for approaching boats, and gradually slow down prior to entering a channel, or allow the boat to pass prior to slowing down. All watercraft operators should be aware of the PWC restrictions and be prepared to slow or stop behind personal watercraft in the channels!

Warden Crotty also advised SECOLA that each summer numerous children and teenagers are found to be operating PWC’s without possessing a Boating Safety certificate. Wisconsin law requires all PWC operators under age 16 to pass a Boating Safety course before operating a PWC. The juvenile must carry the certificate with him or her on the water to present to a law enforcement officer.

Boating laws in Florence County are enforced by Conservation Wardens and Florence County Sheriff’s Deputies. The minimum citation for a violation of the 200’ rule is $173.40 and the minimum citation for a juvenile operating a PWC without a Boating Safety class is $148.20 (The adult allowing the juvenile to operate the PWC without the required certificate will receive the citation).

During the summer of 2006, educational signs will be posted at the boat landings to inform PWC operators of the Slow-No-Wake requirements. The sign at the North Lake landing will have a map of the Chain noting locations on the lake system where PWC use is prohibited and where it is allowed. Keep an eye out for the new map later this summer, and refer other PWC operators to it also.

Also, please remind your family and guests of these regulations before they operate your Personal watercraft. If you see a friend operating contrary to the regulations, take some time to remind them of the law. This could prevent an unpleasant contact with law enforcement officers on a day at the lake.

Conservation Warden Crotty can be contacted at (715)-528-4400 Ext. #111 for additional information on boating laws and Boating Safety courses.