Wake Responsibly Campaign Promotes Safe Boating and Waterway Access Ahead of Peak Boating Season
As the summer boating season gets underway, the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) is amplifying its Wake Responsibly initiative, a nationwide education campaign which NMMA supports that promotes responsible boating practices while helping protect access to public waterways for all recreational users.
Protecting recreation access to public lakes and rivers is crucial to the recreational boating industry’s success. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is working alongside industry partners like WSIA to help set the standard for responsible boating practices that protect public access to America’s waterways and preserve opportunities for families to enjoy the on-water activities they love.
Launched in 2015, Wake Responsibly encourages boaters to follow three core principles:
- Operate at least 200 feet from shore, docks and other boats;
- Keep onboard music at reasonable levels;
- Avoid repetitive passes in the same area.
These best practices help minimize user conflicts, promote safety, and demonstrate respect for fellow boaters and waterfront property owners.
As wake sports face scrutiny in some states and communities, education is a critical tool for preserving access and promoting safe, courteous operation. Proposed bans or excessive restrictions on wakesurfing and other wake sports set a dangerous precedent that could limit opportunities for recreational boating on public waterways.
Through training programs, educational resources and industry partnerships, Wake Responsibly reinforces the boating community’s commitment to safe and responsible vessel operation while helping preserve and strengthen public access to waterways. NMMA supports boater education, protecting recreational access and following recommendations from state boating safety experts to ensure waterways remain safe, welcoming and enjoyable for all users.
By promoting responsible boating and fostering cooperation among all waterway users, the recreational boating industry is helping ensure America’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters remain accessible for current and future generations.
For questions regarding watersports policy, please contact Lauren Hyland, Director of Public Policy and Industry Engagement, at [email protected].