Too many boaters, wake boarders, skiers, tubers, and jet skiers either do not know the North Carolina and South Carolina No Wake Zone laws or disregard them. No Wake Zones indicate a restricted boating area established in state laws to protect the safety of the public and property. In these areas, a vessel cannot proceed at greater than “idle” speed or the speed necessary to maintain steering.
No Wake Zones are recommended by the by the Lake Wylie Marine Commission and are approved by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission or the SC Department of Natural Resources. Homeowners and others who choose to display a No Wake sign may display them in areas legally designated as No Wake Zones. Signs posted in areas not currently designated as legal No Wake Zones will be removed by lake law enforcement officers if signs are illegally displayed.
In North Carolina, boaters must not exceed “No Wake” speed within 50 yards of any structure including public boat ramps, docks, piers and service areas. Marked mooring areas, bridges on Lake Wylie and any other area marked with No Wake buoys or signs follow the same rule. All regulations apply to personal watercraft.
In South Carolina, the regulation is “No Wake” in any area marked by official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources buoys or signs or within 50 feet of a moored or anchored boat, wharf, pier, dock or person in the water. All regulations also apply to personal watercraft.
For more information:
No Wake Zone Application:
Download the No Wake Zone Application Policy and Procedures here.
Download the No Wake Zone Application here.
Contact Emily Parker with any questions:
Emily Parker
(Administrator)
10735 David Taylor Drive
Suite 250
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: (704) 688-6507
Email: eparker@centralina.org
