Enjoying Walloon Lake for swimming, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and other activities is a highlight of summer. It’s important to follow laws and rules regarding the operation of watercrafts and to show courtesy to other lake users. Click here for a copy of our 2020 Safety Brochure.

MOVE YOUR WAKE, RESPECT THE LAKE

We are excited to launch our NEW safety campaign, Move Your Wake, Respect the Lake. As many of you may have read in our latest issue of The Wallooner, two studies researching the impact of wake waves were recently completed, one based on distance from the shoreline by the University of Minnesota and one on depth by Endicott Fay. The studies showed that the power of wakesurfing waves needed both space and deeper water to be minimized. For more info on the research, please click below.

MOVE YOUR WAKE INFO SHEET

The findings from both studies prompted the WLAC Safety Committee and Board of Trustees to put forth a new recommendation:

While actively wakesurfing/boarding, please maintain a minimum distance of 425 feet from the shoreline AND a minimum depth of 15 feet.

Although this is not an enforceable policy, we hope that Wallooners will choose areas on the water that are more appropriate for use out of respect for one another and the health of the lake. Just remember, more distance from the shoreline equals less damage to Walloon. Join us in pledging to Move Your Wake & Respect the Lake!

 

SOUND DOWN

Drop it down low. We all know that sound travels (far) on the lake, so be considerate when out on the water. Keep speakers inside your boat and lower it down just a notch.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP

We acknowledge the many concerns expressed to us each season as it pertains to boating safety and nuisance activities like excessively loud noise and boating too close to docks and the shoreline. Please be assured that we are doing our best to understand our ability to take action as well as our limitations.

But because we don’t have all the answers, we are asking you for your help to make boating safer and more enjoyable for everyone on Walloon Lake.

OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR FORM

  1. Report offensive boating activity by completing this form. Your reports will be shared directly with Emmet and Charlevoix County Marine Patrol.

QUALITY OF LIFE FORM

  1. Submit your ideas to make lake life safer and more enjoyable here.

 

RESOURCES

Please reference these important and helpful links from the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office for additional information: