Slow to No Wake: Enjoy the Ride

Who would have thought new lake signs would send our social media likes, clicks, and comments soaring this summer? You made it clear that communication on the water is important to you. These beautiful new signs provided reminders about boat speeds and wakes.

Six of the seven lakes in the Barbee Lakes Chain have a 10 MPH speed limit and these signs remind boaters of that law and their responsibility.

Entrances to the Ball Wetland Nature Preserve on Lake Tippecanoe greet boaters with a reminder that they are entering a “No Wake” zone. A wake is the wave created as a vessel travels through the water. A no-wake zone is where vessels are expected to travel at slow (idle) speeds to minimize the wake.

The primary reasons for these low-speed and no-wake zones are for public safety and environmental protection. Large wakes erode shorelines, damage wetlands, and stir up bottom sediments adding algae-causing nutrients back to the water column. In addition to these posted areas, boaters must also maintain speeds less than 10 MPH when driving within 200’ from shore and at night.

Even though slow and no-wake zones may slow you down, they also provide you an opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you pass through these beautiful lake areas.