Boaters reminded to keep speeds low near shorelines

Boaters and other water recreationists are being reminded to reduce wake near shorelines to protect wildlife habits and reduce erosion. 

“Wakes from boating have the potential to impact shoreline nesting birds,” David Karn, representative from the Ministry of Environment and Parks representative shared on behalf of the Ministry of Water and Lands and Resources Sustainability. The ministry recommends boaters refrain from repeated passes in quieter waters like lakes and to keep speeds low when traveling closer to shore.

Unless otherwise posted, boaters in B.C are required to travel at speed limits of 10 kilometres an hour if within 30 metres of the shoreline.

“Boaters are responsible for operating at a safe speed and considering how their wake may affect others and the shoreline,” Flavio Nienow, Transport Canada communications advisor said, adding that anyone operating a watercraft with a motor must carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or other proof of operator competency.

“This shows that the operator has a basic level of boating safety knowledge and a good understanding of the ‘rules of the road’ for Canadian waterways,” Nienow said.

Bruce Hayne, Boating BC executive director, recommends boaters on the Arrow Lakes, Lake Revelstoke and other waterways in the region travel away from the shore at a 90 degree angle for 100 metres before turning to travel parallel with the shore. That distance reduces the impact boat wakes can have on shorelines, wildlife and other recreationists in the area, he said.

“It’s courteous to other people on the lake that have dogs, boats and things on the waterfront,” Hayne said.

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