Thread: Free for all at Lake Sara

Aren't there general rules of the water in your state regarding operating safety that might still apply? I can understand rescinding the no wake after the season but that shouldn't mean it becomes a lawless free for all.

In Kentucky where I both boat and kayak we have a few rules that would apply, although admittedly not every does follow them they are in place regardless whether it is a no wake zones or not.

• Boaters must use idle speed
(slowest speed possible to maintain
maneuverability of a boat)
when passing another boat with
an occupant actively engaged in
fishing.

Rowboats and paddle powered
boats have the right of way over motorboats.

It is extremely important that boat operators
be aware of their speed and the resulting
wake. Operators are liable for any injuries
or damage caused by their boat’s wake.

Even in areas that
are not marked as idle speed, excessive
wake can still be dangerous. Operators
of larger craft should be aware of the
wake their vessels are throwing.
IDLE

I'm sure they have the same rules here in Illinois but why remove the bouys. I don't get it. If the bouys were there it may prevent an accident.

I can can see the headlines now " boater faces $200 fine after running over kayak"!!! "Family mourns father doing what he loved".

I understand your frustration Tracker22, come on up to Lake Bloomington where they just disregard the No Wake bouys and take pleasure in seeing just how close they can get to a Kayak fisherman.