What are the laws in Washington State

[Randy169]

I boat on Whatcom Lake near Bellingham (1.5hr north of Seattle) and find the owners along the shore keep moving thier bouys out further and further into the lake.

Making it difficult to boat in some areas.

Anyone know? I will stop one of the water police next time I see them to ask (I hardly ever see them), but thought I would try here first.

They really get po'd if you go inside of their bouys.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: What are the laws in Washington State

Wish I knew but if its anything like the laws up here on Vancouver Island...they don't have too much right at all to do that. I think people do it to protect their docks, swimmers, etc. If no one is watching them do it most other boaters will generally accept that there is either a rock there or some sort of designated restriction so they will keep away much to the delight of the dock owner.
I think often the rights to your land end at the high tide line....at best. On a fresh water lake it probably ends right at the waters edge...more or less.
Interesting to find out tho'.
BP

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: What are the laws in Washington State

Where are the jet fleas when you need them?

 

[PW2]

Re: What are the laws in Washington State

Are the buoys for water (slalom) skiing, or are they for marking a swimming area?

As I recall, there are a lot of skiers that use that lake.

Not sure what the laws are, but I'm guessing common sense would prevail over any law.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: What are the laws in Washington State

I believe it is 100 feet from the shoreline.....
But that is for a no wake buoy, you are free to navigate until you are 1 foot from shore......
IE, they cannot put a buoy there as a property line.....​

 

[Randy169]

Re: What are the laws in Washington State

Thanks for the input. When I find one of those elusive water police characters, I will confirm and let everyone know.

FYI - not a slalom course, and who defines how big a private "swimming area" can be?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: What are the laws in Washington State

Thanks for the input. When I find one of those elusive water police characters, I will confirm and let everyone know.

FYI - not a slalom course, and who defines how big a private "swimming area" can be?

Hopefully you will never see one.....
Ignore the bouys & run where you like, maybe you'll see one then....