PEOPLE

Boating Safely on Walloon Lake

Updated for 2026: Science-Based Guidelines for Protecting Walloon Lake

Enjoying Walloon Lake for swimming, sailing, tubing, water skiing, fishing, and wake sports is one of the best parts of summer.
As stewards of this lake, we all share responsibility for operating watercraft safely and in ways that protect Walloon’s water quality, shorelines, and community.

WLAC’s 2026 Updated Boating Recommendations reflect the latest hydrodynamic research from the University of Minnesota (UMN) and Michigan DNR, as well as findings summarized in our new Make Waves Wisely brochure and article.

WLAC’s 2026 Updated Boating Recommendations

(Based on UMN hydrodynamic research and Michigan DNR findings)

Wake Boats

  • Operate in “surf mode” only in water deeper than 20 feet.
  • Keep wakes at least 500 feet from shorelines, docks, and other boats.
  • Reference the Wake Boat Map and stay near the center of the lake whenever possible.

All Motorized Boats

  • Minimize wakes in water less than 10 feet deep.
  • Minimize wakes within 200 feet of shorelines and docks.


Wake Wisely Map

(Click to Enlarge)

Why These Recommendations Changed

The science is clear: depth and distance matter.

Recent research shows that wake boats produce significantly more energy beneath the surface than traditional powerboats.

According to the Michigan DNR:

  • Wake boats generate 1.7–17x more wave energy than typical speedboats.
  • Their wakes take 225–950 feet to dissipate (vs. 100–200 feet for other boats).
  • Propeller wash can disturb sediment in up to 30 feet of water.

The University of Minnesota’s 2025 field study found that wake boats increase the likelihood of:

  • Stirring lakebed sediment
  • Releasing nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen
  • Clouding water and disrupting fish spawning habitat
  • Sending large waves hundreds of feet behind the boat

Wake boats are designed to create large, powerful, surfable waves — and with that comes a greater responsibility.
WLAC’s Make Waves Wisely campaign encourages all boaters to enjoy the lake while minimizing ecological impact.

Read more in our article “Make Waves Wisely: Responsible Wake Boat Use on Walloon Lake”

READ THE ARTICLE

Additional Safety Information

How You Can Help

WLAC receives many concerns each season about boating safety, noise, and wakes too close to shore.
While WLAC does not have enforcement authority, your participation helps us work with county marine patrols
and improve lakewide safety.

Sound Down

Sound travels far on the lake. Please keep speakers inside your boat and lower the volume when cruising near homes, docks, or anchored swimmers.

Share Your Ideas

Help us improve lake safety and quality of life.

Submit a Quality of Life Idea

Report Unsafe or Offensive Boating Behavior

Your submissions go directly to Emmet and Charlevoix County Marine Patrol.

Report Boating Behavior

Additional Resources

From the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office:

Looking for the 2020 Safety Brochure?

You can still access it here: [2020 Safety Brochure]