NASBLA Public Library

This presentation provides an overview of Connecticut’s 2026 Wake Boat & Wakesurf Study and its implications for recreational boating safety, waterway management, and local regulatory development. Developed by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), the resource examines the environmental, navigational, and public safety impacts associated with wake-enhancing vessels and wakesurfing activities. Topics include hydrodynamic wake effects, shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, fisheries and wildlife impacts, public comment findings, and emerging state and municipal policy responses. The presentation also reviews management strategies adopted by other jurisdictions, including setback distances, depth requirements, zoning restrictions, and operational limitations. For Boating Law Administrators, marine patrol agencies, and waterway managers, this resource offers practical insight into balancing recreational access with shoreline protection, multi-use compatibility, and evidence-based policy development. It is particularly valuable for agencies evaluating wake boat ordinances, waterway zoning frameworks, or stakeholder engagement strategies related to evolving boating technologies and uses.