Wake Boat Legislation: an Update on Indiana HB1423

In January, our Executive Director, Lyn Crighton, answered a question from a community member concerned about how wake boating and wake surfing activities might impact her small lake. 

At the time, House Bill 1423 had just been introduced. That bill was designed to address the potential environmental and safety impacts of wake surfing. The Watershed Foundation supported HB1423, and Lyn and many others contacted the Indiana House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chair, Shane Lindauer, urging him to give the bill a hearing.

Unfortunately, HB1423 did not get to be heard. The bill is “dead”– for now.

Of course, we’re disappointed. We strongly believe legislative action can help protect water quality in local lakes and make our waters safer for everyone to enjoy. 

The good news? Legislation isn’t the only solution. We can all do our part for healthy lakes! 

Ways to Take Action

1. Contact your state representatives, including Representative Lindauer. Let them know you still care about safety and water quality in your lakes, and that sensible wake boat legislation can help. While HB1423 will not be heard this legislative session, the next session may present another opportunity–but only if lawmakers believe it’s a priority for their constituents.

2. Enjoy wake boating activities with user safety and lake health in mind. How?

• Don’t wake surf in shallow waters. Maintain at least 20 feet of depth.
• Don’t wake surf on small lakes (70-300 acres), which generally have 10 mph speed limits. 
• Don’t wake surf between sunset and sunrise.
• Don’t wake surf behind a boat with an exposed propeller.

3. Talk to your neighbors and friends. Share what you’ve learned about safe, sensible wake boating. The more we know, the more we can all make informed choices, and the more we can work together to keep our lakes fun, safe, and healthy for years to come!

Curious about the potential impacts of wake boating? Check out Lyn’s recent presentation at the Indiana Lakes Management Society.