UNDER CONSTRUCTION
LOOK AROUND AND SLOW DOWN
OWN YOUR WAKE
Boat Wakes: What they Are and Why Slowing Down Really Matters
Large wakes can damage boats, docks, and shorelines — and put other boaters at risk.
What is a boat wake?
A boat wake is the set of waves your boat creates as it moves through the water. The bigger and faster the boat, the bigger the wake.
Wake size increases with speed, hull design, and weight, and it becomes amplified in shallow or narrow channels where waves can build and create rough or confused water conditions.
Even on open water, your wake can travel far beyond your boat and impact other boaters, docks, and shorelines after you’ve already passed.
Rule of Thumb
If your wake is curling, breaking, or rocking other boats, you are going too fast for the conditions.
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Boat Wakes: What They Are and Why Slowing Down Really Matters
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For recreational boaters, slowing down is good seamanship: it helps you maintain control and avoid accidents, allows you to see over the bow, reduces the chance of swamping smaller craft, protects boats at the dock, and prevents shoreline erosion and aquatic species. If you’re making a noticeable wake, ease off the throttle and let your boat settle into displacement (no‑wake) speed.
What is a boat wake?
A wake is the wave action created behind (and alongside) a boat as it moves through the water. Wake size increases with speed and hull shape & weight. Your wake is amplified in shallow water or narrow channels where waves from your wake can cause confused seas. Even on the lake your wake can cause damage.
Rule of Thumb: if your wake is curling, breaking (white-water), or rocking other boats, you’re too fast for the conditions!
The bigger and faster the boat, the bigger the wake—and in narrow or shallow water those waves can build and travel, impacting other boaters, docks, and shorelines. Even if conditions look calm at the helm – once you’ve already passed your wake will spread out and reach other boats and the shoreline soon after. THAT’S WHERE THE DANGER BEGINS.
Why Slowing Down Matters
Large wakes can cause real harm. Your wake can:
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Rock, swamp, or capsize small craft (canoes, kayaks, rowing shells, small powerboats), increasing the risk of falls overboard and drowning.
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Damage docks, seawalls, and moored vessels by repeatedly slamming them against waves.
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Erode shorelines and disturb habitat by washing away soil and damaging plants that stabilize the river’s edge.
Tip: If you can, look back at your wake—if it’s rocking other boats or hitting shore hard, slow down to safer speed immediately!
You Are Responsible for any Damage Your Wake Causes.
By law, every operator is responsible for their boat’s wake and any damage it causes.
Liability can include personal injury or death and property damage costs.
Federal, State and Local Laws outline key responsibilities. The following links provide the details:
Illinois Statutes - Vehicles 625 ILCS 45 Boat Registration and Safety Act - Article V. Operation of Motorboats
(625 ILCS 45/5-7) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-7)
Sec. 5-7. No person shall operate a watercraft within 150 feet of a public launching ramp owned, operated or maintained by the Department or a political subdivision of the State at greater than a "No Wake" speed as defined in Section 5-12 of this Act. Posting of the areas by the Department or a political subdivision of the State is not required.
(625 ILCS 45/5-12) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-7.5)
Sec. 5-12. A wake is defined as a movement of the water created by a boat underway great enough to disturb a boat at rest, but under no circumstances shall a boat underway exceed 5 miles per hour while in a posted "No Wake" area. "No Wake" areas shall be clearly posted with buoys or appropriate signs except as provided in Section 5-7 of this Act. All buoys or signs posting "No Wake" areas shall meet the specifications as prescribed by the United States Coast Guard or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
(Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)
US Coast Guard-2012-0102, Part 83- Navigation Rules, Subpart A- General
83.02 Responsibility (Rule 2)
(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Chicago Department of Transportation
10-40-261 Restrictions on wake of vessels
You Are Responsible for any Damage Your Wake Causes. (Continued)
US Coast Guard-2012-0102, Part 83- Navigation Rules, Subpart A- General
83.02 Responsibility (Rule 2)
(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Chicago Department of Transportation
10-40-261 Restrictions on wake of vessels
How to Reduce Your Wake
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Plan ahead: come off plane early and slow to displacement/no‑wake speed well before you reach marinas, docks, launches, nearby boats, moored boats, paddlers, anglers, and narrow or crowded waters.
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Use your eyes: look behind you and to the sides—if your wake is pushing boats around or hitting shore hard, slow down more.
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Use trim wisely: trim down/neutralize trim at low speed to keep the bow from lifting and throwing a larger wake.
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Keep steerage without wake: if idle still throws a wake, briefly shift in and out of gear to maintain control while minimizing wave action.
In Closing
Be courteous of others while operating a vessel. Every time you ease off the throttle, you’re protecting fellow boaters, reducing wear on docks and boats, and helping preserve the shoreline. Slow down early, watch your wake, and operate with the courtesy and control that keep our waterways safe and enjoyable for everyone. Remember that it doesn’t matter if there is a NO WAKE sign, you are always responsible for your wake.
We all still need to maintain a safe speed.
Thank you for sharing the waterways responsibly!
