HOME | Safe Wakes HOME GET INVOLVED NEWS RESOURCES DISCUSSION CONTACT US More Breaking News A Field Study of Maximum Wave Height Total Wave Energy and Maximum Wave Power Produced by Four Recreational Boats on a Freshwater Lake Click here for the report LCAR Approves First in the Nation Rule to ManageWake BoatsSports in Vermont Click here for the report U of M St. Anthony Falls SAFL Healthy Waters Initiative Update Click here for the report Last Wilderness Alliance important new video ondamage created by wake surf boats Click here for the video STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Review of Wake Boat Effects on Aquatic Habitat July 2023 Click here for more information The Problem Artificiallyenhanced wakes created by wake boats and wake enhancing devices cause environmental damage to lakes and lakeshore safety risks for people on the water and on shore and physical damage to property and shorelines. Environmental effects Resuspension of sediment adds nutrients to the water which can lead to increased algal blooms Nearshore turbidity Shoreline erosion Threat to aquatic life nesting loons and waterfowl Increased probability of AIS transmittal through ballast systems Economic impacts Threat to MN Tourism Damage to shoreline riprap trees and natural buffers Damage to docks boats and lifts Diminished property values Reduced tax base Safety concerns Dangerous water conditions for swimmers fishermen and other watercraft Dangerous conditions on shore and on docks Obscured vision forward as ballast weighs down the stern and causes the bow to rise SafeWakes Mission Prevent environmental damage and injury to people and property caused by artificiallyenhanced wakes. SafeWakes Goal Restrict the creation of enhanced wakes to areas of lakes that allow at least 1000 feet distance from the boat to shore a minimum water depth of 20 feet What you should know 1.