University of Wisconsin - Extension

Wisconsin lakes are becoming more popular and more populated. Without caution, such a combination can turn deadly.

People enjoy Wisconsin's waters in a wide variety of ways, notes a University of Wisconsin-Extension lake management specialist.

"Some are looking for peace and quite and a little bit of nature," says Bob Korth. "Some are looking to have fun and test skills in watercrafts.

"So, how do we share our small world with the creatures that need to live there and the people who prefer to live and play there?" he questions.

Conflicts on Wisconsin's lakes can be curbed, says Korth. People need to think through this question before going out on the lake: "How will what I want to do affect others?"

Korth encourages people to be considerate, respectful, polite, understanding and safe.

Boaters can also take the proactive step of taking a boating safety course. Boat operators can improve their operating skills and possibly save money on insurance rates by enrolling in an approved home study boating safety course.

When using waterways, Korth advises, "Think about your noise. Silence is golden. Think about your speed. Watch your wake. Think about your litter. Leave nothing but ripples. Think about your space. Give critters some room."

Some counties have developed courtesy codes to enhance safety and reduce conflicts on lakes.

The Vilas County Lakes Association and Bryan Pierce, Vilas County UW-Extension community resource development agent, created the Vilas County Lake Courtesy Code, which addresses noise, speed, space, clean boats/clean lakes and safety.

In Vilas County, recommended water skiing and personal water craft hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boaters are encouraged to slow down for safety and to protect shorelines from erosion. They also are encouraged to clean boats, motors, trailers and anchors to prevent the spread of Eurasian water milfoil and other harmful, non-native species.

People are urged to adhere to a state law requiring boaters to stay at least 100 feet from swimmers, people fishing, other watercraft, rafts and docks.

The code also reminds boaters of the new law that requires one wearable personal flotation device for each person in a watercraft.