Wake Responsibilities with Updated Lake Minnetonka Wake Rules
Spring is right around the corner and while we wait for the snow to melt it’s a great time to get up-to-date on local laws and refresh ways to wake responsibly. Whether your a first -time boater or a veteran behind the wheel it’s important to understand Wake Responsibility. Your wake is YOUR responsibility. If your wake hits another boat, shoreline, or dock you could be held responsible for any damages to property. Under Minnesota law, the damage your wake causes is treated the same as damage caused by an actual collision. You may also be held personally liable for injuries or damage due to your wake. In this article we will go over ways to wake responsibly and what the ordinances are on Lake Minnetonka.
Let’s start with local ordinances.
If you’re a local you may remember last summer there was lots of buzz circulating about new proposed laws regarding wakes. After lots of back and forth from community members and multiple meetings the LMCD board approved an updated rule in August regarding watercraft speeds near the shoreline. Beginning January 1, 2023, the new rule placed a five miles-per-hour speed limit on all boats within 300 feet from the shore. This is an increase from the previous 150- foot distance. The current rule requiring a 150-foot distance from docks, anchored boats, swimmers or scuba divers’ warning flags throughout the lake will not change. View the ordinance amendment.
You can learn more about the new rule at lmcd.org/safety/ safety-boat-generated-wakes.
Here is a look at how this will change the buffer distance on Lake Minnetonka.
LIST OF LAKE MINNETONKA QUIET WATER AREA LOCATIONS
(Quiet Water Areas Established areas where motor-operated watercraft (including waterborne aircraft) cannot be operated in excess of 5 mph or at a speed that results in more than a minimum wake.” Designated QWAs are delineated by waterway markers.)
ENTIRE BAYS-
Carsons Bay
Emerald Lake
Libbs Lake
St. Louis Bay
Grays Bay From 4 p.m. Fridays through 11:59 p.m. Sundays and all day on holidays
PARTIAL BAYS-
Black Lake–north side Coffee Cove–east of a line from Fagerness Point to Park Lane
Excelsior Bay–south end
Harrisons Bay–north of Seton channel area
Lower Lake North-north side of Big Island/Cruiser’s Cove
Maxwell Bay–south shore from Noerenberg Bridge to Boy Scout Bridge and Noerenberg Inlet
St. Albans Bay–southwest corner
Wayzata Bay–southeast corner near Hwy 101 Causeway
CHANNEL AREAS-
All channels between bays
Channels between Black/Emerald/Seton Lakes
Cedar Point West - channel between Cooks Bay & Upper West Lake
Echo and Lafayette Bays–west end of Big lsland by West Point
Lower Lake North–west side, northwest of Huntington Point and Arcola Bridge
Lower Lake North and Lafayette Bay–south of Huntington Point
Wayzata Bay–south side, north of Cedar Point east of Huntington Point
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Towing Rules-
NUMBER TOWED
No more than three persons may be towed at one time.
OBSERVER
In addition to the watercraft operator, an observer (not a rear-facing mirror) is required to continuously observe the person(s) being towed. The observer must be at least 12 years old and able to communicate with driver.
HOURS
Towing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset until sunrise.
LIFE JACKETS
A person being towed must wear a life vest, belt, or other buoyant device. If the buoyant device is not U.S. Coast Guard-approved, a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket must also be on board and readily available to the person being towed.
LENGTH OF TOW
Maximum length of 85 ft (except with written permission of the Sheriff ).
DISTANCE
Towing may not occur within 150 ft of a swim area, skin or scuba diver’s flag, swimmer, watercraft, dock or pier (except dock/pier where initially operating from).
EMPTY TOW
An unoccupied tow line may not be dragged behind a watercraft for an unreasonable length of time.
TOWING IN CHANNELS
No person shall tow or be towed into or through any marked channel connecting two bodies of water. It is unsafe.
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In addition, keep your music at reasonable levels and minimize repetitive passes to be courteous. Sound travels much further over water, if it's loud enough to hear at 80 ft back, it's likely loud enough for homeowners to hear too. Once you’ve run the same line for a few passes it's polite to take a break and move on to another area.
Always stay alert and mindful of the wakes and waves you create. Even if you’re not the driver you can still help make an impact by staying observant of where your wake is going, how loud your music is playing, and how many passes your boat has made within the area you’re riding
Take The Pledge - Join The WSIA With A Pledge To Wake Responsibly
Are you a responsible boater? Join us in the pledge to Wake Responsibly today. Not only are you protecting the waterways, yourself and your friends - but you will also be entered to win some cool gear from your favorite brands!
Take The Pledge
The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) is the towed water sports industry's leading advocate, known for preserving the vitality of our activities long into the future. As a group, the WSI develops best practices, maintains waterway access rights, educates participants, promotes safety and facilitates sustainable industry growth.