Even though the FWC is concerned with safety and not erosion, no wake zones are important to minimize river shore erosion which can uproot huge trees and damage shorelines.
In the past authorities have been lax in notifying boaters when the no wake zones were in effect and this has hampered enforcement.
Whenever it is evident that the river is experiencing high water levels, please be aware of wake damage boats can cause.
By clicking on the link below in the text, you can see current conditions for each zone. Note at the time of this publication, only Zone
Eight was in flood stage, but with rising waters.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Communications Office | Suwannee River Water Management District |
386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (FL) | SRWMDCommunications@SRWMD.org | www.MySuwanneeRiver.com
LIVE OAK, FLA., APRIL 12, 2024 – With higher rainfall in recent months resulting in higher river levels, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) wants to remind boaters of Idle Speed, No Wake zones along the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has established and enforces these zones on segments of the river when water rises to specific levels. Idle speed, no wake means a vessel must proceed at the slowest-possible vessel speed to maintain steerage.
Higher water levels can create navigational hazards and slower speeds can provide greater safety to a boat and its occupants.
There are eight zones – four along the Suwannee River, beginning at the U.S. 90 bridge in Ellaville near Suwannee River State Park, and ending near Fowler’s Bluff public boat ramp in Levy County; and four on the Santa Fe River, starting at River Rise in O’Leno State Park and ending at the confluence with the Suwannee River.
Each zone has a different wake stage, and it is recommended boaters consult the No Wake Zone stage for each segment, as well as current river levels. This information can be found at the District website, located here.
You can report boating violations to FWC dispatch toll free at (888) 404-3922.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
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