Slow-no-wake

Slow-no-wake requirements were created to minimize conflict between various lake recreational users, reduce or lessen the severity of boating accidents, protect human life, provide safe swimming zones, assure and encourage multiple uses of lakes, reduce shoreline erosion, protect fish spawning areas and protect wetlands, bogs and other sensitive areas.  Dane County has in effect a slow-no-wake ordinance, see Chapter 72, that goes beyond the minimum state boating requirements (see the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Boating in Wisconsin webpage).

Normal Slow-no-wake Restrictions: 

• Dane County ordinance establishes a 200-ft slow-no-wake zone along the entire shorelines of Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa.  Within that zone, boaters must not travel faster than slow-no-wake speed, which means the minimum speed at which a motorized watercraft is able to move and maintain adequate steerage control.
   
• There is an exception to the requirement stated above for Lake Monona from Law Park to a point 1,000 feet due north of the intersection of John Nolen Drive and Lakeside Street.  Lake users should be aware of water skiers practicing and performing in this area.

Emergency Slow-no-wake Restrictions:

• Emergency orders are slow-no-wake restrictions that are in addition to normal 200-ft slow-no-wake restrictions, creating an entire lake surface of slow-no-wake.  These orders are declared when there is high water or other hazardous circumstances which pose a threat to life or property.

• Boater Safety
• Yahara chain of lakes Buoy Map
• Lake Levels
• Dane County Parks
• Sheriff’s Marine & Trail Enforcement Bureau