Boaters on Swan and Echo lake will see an increase in Fish Wildlife and Parks officers.
The higher visibility stems from a no-wake zone petition filed by several Swan Lake property owners. The area focused on includes the 1-mile stretch of lake where it narrows into the river channel. The “no wake” zone extends 200-feet from the shore.
“I believe we can address the water safety issues on this portion of Swan Lake by enforcement of current regulations,” says FWP Warden Captain Lee Anderson.
Anderson says they want to avoid further regulations. Instead they’re focusing on more education and enforcement of the current rules.
Echo Lake will also see more patrols to address boating safety problems reported there.
Region 1 and 2 currently require “no-wake” speeds on all public lakes and reservoirs less than 35 acres, all children 11 years old and younger mus wear life jackets in boats and carry enough life jackets for everyone on board.
Boats can not tow water skiers or anyone else after dark, and at least two people need to be on board when towing: a driver, and a spotter. For more safety information, visit the nearest FWP office, or call 755-5501.