Jump to: About Wake Boats | Legislation | Guidelines

The boating laws and navigational rules in North Carolina's public waters create a safe boating environment for everyone. Laws and rules regarding authorized no-wake zones, as well as the reckless and negligent operation of any motorboat or vessel on these waters, are both monitored and enforced. 

What are Wake Boats?

Wake boats are high-tech, specialized boats with ballasts that fill with water to adjust for the size of wake desired.

• Wake boats can produce significant wake (3 - 4 feet) at low speeds (10 mph).
• In general, the boats are not the problem, but rather the wake produced by the vessels.
• While wake boats are designed to create significant wake, wake is not vessel specific. 
• Wake is one of many factors that can cause erosion.
• Erosion, dock/boat property damage and noise are the primary complaints associated with the use of wake boats.
• Because the ballasts of wake boats fill with water, transfer of aquatic nuisance species could be an issue.
• Concerns about wake boats are a nationwide issue.
  

Wake Boat Legislation

The NC General Assembly has passed legislation (H183/S146) restricting wake surfing on Lake Glenville within 200 feet of the shoreline or any structure, moored vessel, kayak canoe, paddleboard or swimmer.  Violation of this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The full text of this law can be found at: H183-PCCS10550-CM-2.

If you witness reckless or dangerous boating activity or any violation of laws, note the boat description, registration number and/or take a photograph.  Report it immediately to NC Wildlife at 800-662-7137.

Wake Boating Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines to "wake responsibly":

• Stay at least 200 feet away from the shoreline, docks or other structures
• Keep music at reasonable levels. Sound travels well over water. If it is loud enough to hear at 80 feet back, it is likely loud enough for homeowners and other to hear as well.
• Minimize repetitive passes on any one portion of the shoreline. Once you've run the same line for awhile, move on to another area.

Visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission's website for more information on waking responsibly.

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