​Calling All Water Sporters to Be Wake Wise

Wake boats are not the only type of boat that can cause damage.  All motorized vessels create wakes and propeller wash that can cause shoreline erosion, impact the lakebed, damage property, and disturb other boaters. Boaters are responsible for the damage and injuries their wake may cause and should follow these Michigan State regulations.

In Michigan, "slow, no wake speed" is defined as the slowest speed at which a vessel can still maintain steering. You must operate at a slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of the following: 

• The shoreline, if in water less than three feet deep
• Any dock, pier, or raft
• Any moored or anchored vessel
• Any marked swimming area or person in the water 

Key details for specific watercraft

• Personal Watercraft (PWC): When operating a PWC, there are additional restrictions. You must stay at least 200 feet from a  shoreline unless you are traveling at a slow, no-wake speed and moving perpendicularly to the shoreline. PWC operators also cannot cross within 150 feet behind another vessel (except another PWC) moving faster than a slow, no-wake speed.
• Water sports: A vessel or the person being towed (e.g., water skier) must maintain a distance of 100 feet from the shoreline, docks, and other vessels.​