The Long Weekend Is Here!
- Mike
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
We're in the busiest part of the boating season! With more people enjoying the lake, it is more important than ever to practice safe and courteous boating. If you are relaxing and floating, anchor close to the west shoreline to leave plenty of room in the middle of the lake for other users. Practice good wake management by minimizing your wake near marinas and beaches. Give everyone ample space—especially paddlers, swimmers, and other non-motorized lake users. It is also a great time to revisit the CVBA Boaters' Responsibility Code for a reminder of the boating practices that help keep our lakes safe and enjoyable for everyone.
A Word About Wind
It has been an exceptionally windy summer, with the strongest winds often occurring on weekends. On many days, conditions on both Columbia Lake and Lake Windermere have ranged from uncomfortable to downright dangerous. There have been boaters, paddlers, and beachgoers taking unnecessary risks in these conditions. During the windiest days in July, wave heights reached 3–5 feet. Before heading out, take a few moments to assess the conditions. Sometimes the best decision is to stay on shore.
On Saturday, August 1, the forecast is for strong southerly winds and large waves all day which coincides with the Brett-Brett Boat Concert in the evening. If you are planning to attend, carefully consider the wind and wave conditions, along with your boating experience and the capabilities of your vessel. Ask yourself: Will an evening on the lake be both safe and enjoyable? Hopefully the winds ease before concert time, but it is important to be prepared. This includes having a high quality anchor with lots of anchor line.
Myth Busters: How Busy Is the Lake?
Some anti-boating advocates frequently describe Lake Windermere as overcrowded and unsafe throughout the summer. These claims are often used to justify proposals that would restrict or eliminate recreational boating. The facts do not support these claims.
There are certainly periods when parts of Lake Windermere become busy. However, when measured objectively, these high-volume boating periods are relatively rare. Peak boat traffic typically lasts only four to five hours in the late afternoon and only when the weather is suitable. Columbia Lake and the southern half of Lake Windermere are seldom busy. The attached photos provide a good example.
On July 27 at 3:36 p.m., the temperature was 32°C with calm winds and a mix of sun and cloud. These are perfect boating conditions but only 10 boats are visible on nearly the entire surface of Lake Windermere.
On July 28 at 3:50 p.m., the temperature was 31°C with a gentle south wind and a mix of sun and cloud. Only 7 boats are visible.
These are ideal boating conditions during what is typically the busiest period of the year. Do these photos reflect a lake that is overcrowded or over capacity? As discussions continue about proposed boating restrictions, it's important that we collectively undertake an honest cost-benefit analysis.
What measurable benefits would these restrictions provide?
Would they meaningfully improve lake health?
If so, what evidence supports that conclusion?
What would be the economic consequences for our community?
How many local businesses would close? How many jobs could be lost?
How many residents and visitors might choose to live and vacation elsewhere?
These are important questions that deserve careful, evidence-based consideration before significant changes are made.
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