Recently, the Georgia Legislature and DNR got together, and I am sure thought this through clearly, concisely, and with great patience.
However, it is probably like most things, a swing, and a miss.
What am I talking about? The new 200-foot law for wake boats. House Bill 121 states:
1. Distance Restrictions: The legislation states that “no person shall engage in wake surfing or wakeboarding upon waters of this state within 200 feet of any moored vessel; any wharf, dock, pier, piling, or bridge structure or abutment; or any shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.” These measures are designed to ensure the safety of participants and prevent potential conflicts with other water users.
2. Mandatory Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): The bill mandates that all wakeboarders and wake surfers must wear the U.S.Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times while participating in these activities.
3. No wakeboarding or wake surfing between sunset and sunrise.
First point – I get it. Wake boats are called wake boats for a reason. They produce – or rather, can produce – a big wake. It’s their job. It’s also fun to surf and wakeboard.
Lots of us enjoy this, just like a lot of you enjoy riding down the lake at 80 mph in your bass boat.
The deal here is this, if we used the Golden Rule that they tried to teach us in Sunday School, we would all realize this boils down to common sense.
Treat others as you wish to be treated. So no, don’t throw a wake and surf within casting distance of a guy fishing; however, don’t run within 200 feet of me with people in the water in your bass boat either.
We all instinctively know whether we should do this stuff or not. My group only surfs and wakeboards in a few sections of the lake. That isn’t Richland Creek for instance. We don’t wake in coves. Why? I wouldn’t want anyone doing that in front of my dock either.
But here’s the question. Are you running around with a 200’ tape measure? A range finder?
We already have laws in place that state you are responsible for your wake. Let’s just enforce what we have folks.
Second point – this isn’t a bad thing. With today’s society and how litigious we all are, why do we even have “life jackets” that aren’t USCG-approved anymore?
Wakeboarding is a fast, sometimes dangerous activity. You need something that will make you float upright if you are knocked out for some reason. Surfing is slower and has less impact, but bad things can still happen. Use your head and get a good life jacket.
A final point – no wakeboarding or surfing between sunset and daybreak. Okay, so how many regulations do we need? We have lighted ropes, personal beacons that illuminate, and even lifejackets that are reflective. However, people are people, and we don’t think a lot of the time. So, others believe a law will make it all better. Yeah, just like banning drugs made the opioid epidemic go away.
Here’s my final takeaway – be courteous, be kind, be aware. Use your head for something other than a hat rack. Go out and enjoy the water.
Remember though, we all paid to be here. Skiers, surfers, wakeboarders, fishermen, and yes, even jet skiers have a right to be on the water. We are all out there for fun and to enjoy the glory of Lake Country. Just remember that.
Tight lines and following seas y’all!