Boat ramps for launching boats

[BobC]

It is not only illegal, but could be dangerous (glass, sharp rocks, mossy concrete, hooks & other sharp metal objects that fall off or out of launching/trailering boats).

That’s a real good point, CP, and I bet they didn’t even have any foot protection on. That aside, it is a very foolish thing for parents to allow - they should know better.
Bob

[DockShootinJack]

I can complain all I want, but one of those kids happily retrieved my boat when my launching rope came untied from the cleat, and I was standing on the dock holding it watching my boat drift away.

I try not to let the small things bother me, as long as they aren't in the way too much, they can swim all they want.

I've seen a lot of people fish at the COE launch areas (no fishing allowed, there are usually dedicated fishing areas nearby), as long as they're quick to move out of the way I really don't care, and will remind them that there are separate fishing docks.

Most will not move out of the way in my experience. I have no problem with them fishing or swimming at or by the ramps. I hate to see someone swimming near a boat. Props on motors or trolling motors do nasty things to people.

[Kevin22]

It is not illegal in Iowa and is a serious problem on some lakes. We have no laws regarding blocking or using a boat ramp for a length of time, so people will just take over a ramp at a lake for swimming. They'll set up blankets and stuff on the ramp and then swim and float on the ramp, refusing to move for boats for the day. Nothing you can do about it but ask them to move, and they dont have to if they dont want to. The wardens cant even do anything but stand around and make sure it doesnt turn physical.

We have ordinances for fishing/loitering on docks in some cities, but not the ramp itself.

[DockShootinJack]

Ironically doesn't part of ones boat registration go to the upkeep and funding for boat ramps? If they would register as a watercraft. They then would be fully entitled to ramp usage. I have bicycles come by the house. Riding across 3/4's of the road with traffic stacked 50 cars deep behind them. They are fully within their rights to block the road. That is paid for by those people stuck behind them in cars and trucks, that pay road usage tax for every gallon of gas the buy, tires, tags, required insurance, and the list goes on.

[NIMROD]

Most will not move out of the way in my experience. I have no problem with them fishing or swimming at or by the ramps. I hate to see someone swimming near a boat. Props on motors or trolling motors do nasty things to people.

Parents of small kids don't realize how dangerous it can be not watching kids around boat ramps and such . Someone could back over them with a tow vehicle or a boat !

[DockShootinJack]

Parents of small kids don't realize how dangerous it can be not watching kids around boat ramps and such . Someone could back over them with a tow vehicle or a boat !

Absolutely. World is a dangerous place especially when you are small and do not know to be cautious yet

[thaDudeAbides]

I think this is much more common on lakes here that have zero public beach and only access other than private land is "semi public" boat ramps.

I see more people fishing the ramp than swimming but it is frustrating.

[skeetbum]

I have little problem with swimmers and their parents. It isn’t right but I just don’t run into that. Others using the ramp and their inconsiderate ways abound here from time to time. They test what little patience I have.

[DrNip]

Several trips ago I was going back to ramp and pulled up to courtesy dock and couldn’t even use it as a family was lined up sitting on coolers fishing and wouldn’t move. Never launching at this area in summer time again when lake rats are out and about thick.

[catchNgrease]

That sounds like a teaching moment to me. Explain what and why?

I am jet skiing with my son and a friend of his. I head to the ramp tie off and say y'all sit here while I get the trailer. I get back to the jetski friend is in the water between the jetski and dock. My 12 yr old son looks like he's seen a ghost frantically trying to get the friend to get back on. It was teaching moment for the friend at that point. He's never been out again.

Don't hate me for the jetski. I also own a Supra surf boat. Main river & main channel for me in those. If you fishing there you deserved to get rocked

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