NASBLA Public Library

This educational resource from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources promotes safe and responsible boating practices that help reduce the impacts of vessel wakes on people, property, and the environment. The publication explains how wakes can damage shorelines, docks, and other structures, outlines Minnesota laws related to wake damage, and encourages boaters to operate at appropriate distances from shore, comply with no wake zones and local ordinances, maintain a proper lookout, and operate cautiously in shallow water.

The publication also highlights the environmental effects of excessive wakes, including shoreline erosion, increased sediment in the water, degraded water quality, and loss of shoreline vegetation that provides important fish and wildlife habitat. It encourages boaters to minimize repetitive passes, respect other waterway users, and adjust their operation based on water levels and surrounding conditions. This resource serves as a practical guide for promoting wake awareness, environmental stewardship, and the shared use of Minnesota's waterways.