Watch your wake

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife sent this bulletin at 07/21/2023 12:22 PM EDT

mefishwildlife.com

Navy blue graphic with photo of child splashing in lake, loon nest with two eggs with adult loon in background, and shoreline erosion

Many of Maine's lakes and ponds are experiencing unusually high water levels. High water levels combined with boat wakes make shorelines more susceptible to erosion and property damage.

Please follow Maine's headway speed law and maintain headway speed within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands. When recreating on waters with increased water levels, consider reducing your speed and wake even outside of the headway speed zone to lessen your impact.

"Headway Speed" means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and control of the watercraft. You must operate a watercraft at "headway speed" while:

Within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands.
Within a marina or an approved anchorage in coastal or inland waters.
This law was designed to keep everyone on the water safe, reduce erosion, and to help protect wildlife such as loons that nest on the shoreline.

Learn More

Protect Our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species

Maine waters, as well as the fish, wildlife, and recreation they support, are threatened each year by introductions of fish, plants, diseases, and other aquatic invasive species that compete with and displace native natural communities. Do your part by learning how to properly clean and dry your watercraft, motor, trailer and equipment before laving water access.

More information

Maine Boating Laws and Rules

Boating Safety Information

Purchase Your Lake and River Protection Sticker

Online Boat Registration Renewal

Boating Safety Courses

Help Protect our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species

Label Canoes and Kayaks with a If Found Sticker

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