July Newsletter
- Mike
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
"I love riding through boat chop!" Said no one - ever.
With the first few busy lake days behind us, the observed traffic patterns and boating behaviour are a mix of both good and bad. The dreaded power turn that sends waves in every direction is now rarely observed. Almost all boaters have learned that a slow, tight turn back to the rider is better. Unfortunately there are still quite a few people towing east/west instead of north/south. Driving across the lake (instead of lengthwise) means your wake travels further and causes rough water for the majority of boaters that travel north/south.
The goal of our Boaters Responsibility Code is to get traffic patterns more organized so everyone can have better water conditions and a safer environment. Please review these 10 suggested code of conduct items and discuss driving strategies with anyone who operates your boat. It will make the lake more enjoyable for all.
Lake Windermere peaked on June 14 at 43” above the annual low. Average high water over the past 50 years is 56” and normally occurs in late June. This means the lake will have lower water levels throughout the season. Rainfall helps, but most of the water comes from snow melt and it did not snow enough last winter. Note worthy peak water levels were 76" in 2012 and 35" in 2001.
The RDEK has initiated a request through the Union of BC Municipalities asking "Transport Canada to develop objective, science-based, lake and water body characteristics and criteria where the activity of wake surfing would threaten the lake health and the health of the surrounding ecosystem. And that a Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation restricting wake surfing be applied to those lakes and water bodies meeting the specific characteristics and criteria, by the federal government, using a standardized approach." RDEK has already indicated that they believe Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake are too shallow to support wake surfing. We are monitoring this development and will keep members up to date. Click the button for the Pioneer news story.
CVBA would like to hear from members. The best way to advance our cause is to have an engaged community. Members have already provided the following very helpful items to CVBA: video of shoreline erosion by ice, a scientific study showing the ACTUAL impact from surf waves, and reports on actions of anti-boating groups. Please keep the good information coming!
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