RBAW Monthly Newsletter

- April 2026 -

Legislative Committee Update

With the legislative session behind us, our work shifts into a different gear. Where less visible, it’s just as important as it’s where a lot of the groundwork gets laid for the next session.

One of the core pieces of that work is staying engaged with state agencies. RBAW maintains active working partnerships with the Washington State Boating Program within State Parks and the Department of Natural Resources. These conversations allow us to share real-world perspective, flag emerging issues early, and help shape programs before they turn into policy.

As this last legislative session ended in a solid position for our priorities, the proposed funding sweep of the Derelict Vessel Removal Program highlighted the need for our renewed focus on this critical program –which is materially funded by recreational boaters via our watercraft excise tax. Looking ahead, we will reignite our work with DNR to strengthen the program and accelerate the pace of removals.

Between sessions is also when we spend time building and maintaining relationships. That includes getting legislators and agency staff out on the water, visiting facilities, and keeping them connected to what boating actually looks like in Washington - and that regulations reflect how boating works in practice.

And a final note, this work isn’t limited to Olympia or D.C. If you have the opportunity, take the time to connect with your own legislators. A quick conversation, a cup of coffee, or time on the water goes a long way. Hearing directly from constituents is how they stay grounded in what’s actually happening. The session may be over, but the work continues. It just happens a little more behind the scenes this time of year.

RBAW's Legislative Priorities

Taking Washington Boaters to Washington, D.C.

Most boaters may not have heard of the American Boating Congress (ABC) - It’s an important event where boating advocates and industry leaders go to make sure our boating voice is heard at the federal level. Where RBAW’s primary focus in on WA state, our industry partners have a national approach. We are closely coordinating with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) who are heading into the ABC in Washington, D.C., where many of these same issues carry forward at the federal level.

What it is - If you’ve been to, or followed RBAW’s Boating Day, that is our legislative day in Olympia, this will sound familiar. ABC is the same idea, just at the national level. Our industry partners meet directly with members of Congress and Federal Agencies to talk about the issues that affect boating. Did you know that RBAW’s FREE Mobile Pumpout program is primarily funded by the federal Clean Vessel Act (CVA) collars enabled by a federal program called the Sport Fish Restoration Program?

Why it matters – Much of what shapes your experience on the water starts in D.C., not just here at home. Things like:

Funding for marinas, launches, and dredging
Access to waterways
Taxes and fees tied to boating
Regulations that affect how we operate

Those decisions show up locally. At your marina, your launch ramp, and in the rules you’re expected to follow.

Why it’s worth doing - When the boating community shows up together, it matters. It’s a chance to make sure the people writing policy understand what boating actually looks like in practice, not just on paper.

Bringing it back to Washington State – They are focused on the same priorities RBAW works on here at home:

Protecting access
Keeping boating affordable
Making sure regulations are workable

ABC is one more piece of the same effort. Local, state, and federal, all connected and all aimed at supporting boating here in Washington. Watch this space for a summary of this year’s ABC in the June newsletter.

RBAW’s Annual Meeting with the Council of British Columbia Yacht Clubs

In early April, members of the RBAW Board of Directors and the Council of British Columbia Yacht Clubs (CBCYC) held their annual meeting to discuss boating advocacy efforts and topics of common interest to boaters on both sides of the border. Where our once in person meetings have migrated to zoom, this 10+ year partnership is still going strong.

Top of mind for the CBCYC group are changes related to BC’s Declaration of Rights for Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA) and its impact on boaters. This act has led to some marinas and public lands being turned over to First Nations bands, including some Provincial Parks. It is incumbent on boaters to be aware of these changes and to respect any new rules or restrictions imposed by First Nations bands.
The Princess Louisa International Society, which is supported by donors on both sides of the border, is working with BC Provincial Marine Parks to restore full-time ranger presence at Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park during peak season, which in recent years has been limited to 3-4 days a week. They hope to have this in place for the 2026 cruising season.
The BC Marine Parks Forever Society, which was formed by the CBCYC in 1990, funded $783,000 in improvements to Octopus Islands Marine Provincial Parks in the past two years, and is looking to install additional mooring buoys in various Marine Provincial Parks including D’Arcy Island (Haro Strait), Bute Island (Ladysmith Harbor), and Drew Harbor (Quadra Island).
Canada is also implementing new protections for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). Similar to Washington State, starting June 1, Canada will have a 1000-meter distance regulation for SRKW (see full article below). This new rule will be in effect until May 31, 2027, and is expected to be renewed each year. This is in addition to the Vessel Restricted Zones, Speed Restricted Zones, and Voluntary Speed Reduction Zones that are in effect in BC June 1 to November 30 each year.
The CBCYC group was particularly interested in Washington’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP) and the recent legislation (which RBAW advocated for) to make it easier to take possession of and remove derelict vessels, which are a growing problem in BC. They were impressed that the DVRP was both well-funded (thanks in large part to RBAW) and that relevant agencies were empowered to take action to remove derelict vessels. They also applauded Washington’s Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) which enables proper disposal of old boats even when the owners cannot pay for proper disposal.

Our relationship with the CBCYC reflects the value of an international partnership among boaters—trips north to British Columbia are cherished by many, and staying connected helps us share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and better understand each other’s waters.

NEW Candian SRKW Rules – 1000 Meter Distance Required

Effective June 1, 2026, Canada will implement a 1000-meter distance rule for SRKWs. “Vessels must stay 1,000 meters away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2027.” This new rule replaces the 400-meter rule in these waters that applied to all killer whales, not just SRKW.

 So, the rules in Canada are:

Stay at least 200 meters away from all Killer Whales in all Canadian Pacific waters
NEW RULE: In addition, stay 1000 meters away from SRKW between Campell River and just north of Ucluelet
Stay 200 meters away from all whales, dolphins and porpoises if resting or with calf
Stay at least 100 meters away from all whales, dolphins and porpoises at all times

Fisheries and Oceans Canada also requests that you apply the following voluntary measures:

Stop fishing (do not haul gear) within 1,000 meters of killer whales
Reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 1,000 meters of the nearest killer whale
When safe to do so, turn off echo sounders and fish finders
If you are too close to a whale (i.e. if your vessel is not in compliance with the approach distance regulations), place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass.

The good news is that the distance rules for BC and Washington are now similar (see Washington rules below), except BC regulations use meters and Washington regulations use yards (1 meter = 1.1 yards).

These rules are in addition to Vessel Restricted zones, Speed Restricted Zones, and Voluntary Speed Reduction Zones that are in effect in BC June 1 to November 30 each year. You can see a complete list of Canada's rules and restrictions for SRKW here.

The 1000 yd Distance Rule for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) Remains in Effect in Washington Waters

The rules for SRKW (and other marine mammals) remain the same in Washington waters for 2026. As a reminder, the rules are:

Boaters must stay 1,000 yards from Southern Resident killer whales.

Boaters must go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of Southern Resident killer whales and move away perpendicular to their path if safe to do so.

Boaters must disengage engine(s) if Southern Resident killer whales appear within 400 yards.

Boaters must stay 200 yards from Bigg’s/Transient killer whales

Boaters must not park in the path within 400 yards of Bigg’s/Transient killer whales

Boaters should stay 200 yards from baleen whales resting or with a calf.

Boaters should stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals)

The Washington regulations recognize that there are some areas in Washington waters where navigable channels are narrower than 1,000 yards. If you encounter Southern Resident killer whales and you're between ½ mile and 400 yards away, you should motor slowly (under 7 knots) away and out of their path of travel, if it is safe to do so. If you are closer than 400 yards, you must disengage your engine(s) and wait for the whales to pass if it is safe to do so.

The Be Whale Wise site has the complete set of rules for Washington, although as of this writing they have NOT yet updated their information for Canadian waters.

Be Whale Wise Website

MindTheZone Outreach Coordinator Position

The summer #MindTheZone campaign on Lake Union in Seattle raises awareness of the five seaplane advisory buoys installed between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This initiative of RBAW, co-funded by the City of Seattle and the State of Washington, connects with boaters, paddlers, and businesses around the lake to ask lake users to be aware and courteous of lake traffic, including seaplanes. With extra visitors to Seattle this summer for the World Cup games, there's extra need to connect and share the safety message.

Are you or someone you know looking for a part-time summer job?

Do you love boating, paddling, or spending time on Lake Union?

Do you enjoy interfacing with the public?

The MindTheZone campaign is hiring for the Outreach Coordinator role based in Seattle.

Follow this link for more information: rbaw.org/mindthezone/

RIB Volunteers Needed for Clipper Race Stop in Seattle

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is sailing into Bell Harbor Marina this month—and organizers are seeking RIB support from the local boating community.

RIBs are needed during the arrival window (April 15–20), media and corporate sail activations (April 22–24), and departure day (April 28) to transport photographers and videographers both inside and outside the marina. The preferred option is to leave RIBs at Bell Harbor, where Clipper captains can operate them as needed. However, members are also welcome to captain their own boats, with flexible scheduling coordinated with Clipper organizers.

In exchange, participants may receive promotional exposure or complimentary photography/videography. All RIB sizes are welcome, and boats will receive free moorage at Bell Harbor for the duration, and parking vouchers for the garage across the street.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Riley at the Port of Seattle: Riley.S@portseattle.org

Make Sure Boaters Are Counted - Participate in the USCG Safety Survey

If you receive an invitation to participate in the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey, we encourage you to take part.

This survey matters because it helps ensure recreational boaters are seen, counted, and understood. It gathers information on how many people are boating, what kinds of boats they use, and how often they get on the water. That data helps shape safety programs and public investment decisions at the national, state, and local levels.

In other words: when boaters participate, boaters are better represented.

The survey is being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard. Over the next year, more than 50,000 households across all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be contacted. Selected households may hear from NORC by letter, postcard, email, or text message.

If your household is selected, please consider responding. It is a simple way to help make sure real-world boating activity helps inform the policies, programs, and safety efforts that affect all of us on the water.

For those who want to volunteer to participate, the Coast Guard has also provided a sign-up link through the survey program. LINK TO SURVEY

RBAW believes good advocacy starts with making sure boaters’ voices are heard — and good safety policy starts with good information! Thank you for helping ensure the voice of boaters is part of the conversation.

Support RBAW Marine Parks Conservancy

Donations to the RBAW Marine Parks Conservancy are Needed Now!

Have you been to Sucia Island Marine State Park? RBAW’s predecessor group of Yacht Clubs bought Sucia Island back in the 1950’s and gave the island to Washington State Parks for the enjoyment of future generations of recreational boaters.

And the mission of the RBAW Marine Parks Conservancy is to build upon this Sucia legacy and develop more Marine Parks for boaters in the Salish Sea.

Following this mission, the Conservancy bought Lakebay Marina in 2021 on the Key Peninsula in south Puget Sound in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources.

But before the park can welcome boaters, it needs cleanup and updating to prepare it for safe use by boaters. And this is where your donations are critical. The Conservancy is organized as a 501c3 which means that donations to the Conservancy may be tax deductible.

Please consider donating to the Conservancy to be part of preserving boating opportunities in the Salish Sea in the future. Any amount is helpful.

You can donate online at the link below, or you can mail a check to:

RBAW Marine Parks Conservancy

PO Box 17591

Seattle, WA 98127

In addition, please consider your personal legacy by naming the RBAW Marine Parks Conservancy in your will to help develop Lakebay and other Marine Parks for boaters in the future.

Donate Today!