RBAW Monthly Newsletter

- August 2026 -

Summer on Lake Union: Mind The Zone

Summer continues in Seattle, and Lake Union continues to be a hub of community activity on the water for for the Mind the Zone Campaign, encouraging recreationalists on Lake Union to be courteous, aware, and safe when around the seaplane advisory zone marked by summertime buoys.

An essential strategy of Mind the Zone is to directly connect with folks who are about to get on the water: perhaps someone pumping up a paddle board in a parking lot, or launching at one of the street-end parks along the lake. The campaign's two Outreach Coordinators put in many hours connecting with the public, and here are some thoughts from one, a University of Washington student:

Life on the Lake: The Summer from an Outreach Coordinator

If you’ve spent any time around Lake Union this summer, you’ve probably noticed that the lake has a *whole different energy* when the sun is out. As a college student spending my summer as an outreach coordinator, i’ve gotten to experience that energy firsthand—and honestly, it’s been such a fun way to spend the summer!

A big part of my days has been getting out around the lake, meeting people, talking with boaters, connecting with local businesses, and sharing some fun swag along the way. Every day has been a little different, which has definitely kept things interesting. One minute I’m chatting with someone who has been boating on Lake Union for years, and the next I’m meeting someone who is experiencing the lake for the first time. I’ve heard plenty of stories, made new connections, and probably learned way more about boats than I’ve ever expected to!

One of my favorite things about being out there has been seeing just how much is happening around the lake during the summer. Between events, waterfront hangouts, boats cruising around, and people soaking up the Seattle sunshine, there’s always something going on. It’s been really cool to see all of these different people and communities come together in one place.

Getting to spend my summer outside, meeting people, exploring Lake Union, and being part of the waterfront community has been such a unique experience. I’ve definitely learned that “working on the lake” can mean a lot more than just showing up. It means getting involved, starting conversations, and being willing to say hello to whoever crosses your path. I’m excited to keep getting out there, meeting more people, and making the most of the rest of the summer!

If you see either Mind the Zone Outreach Coordinator around the lake these last few weeks of summer, say hi, and as always, be aware, courteous and safe in your adventures!

Download PDF of Map Above

Mind The Zone Website

Need a Pumpout?

Heading out on the Puget Sound this summer? Don’t forget to take advantage of the FREE South Puget Sound and West Puget Sound Mobile Pumpout Programs, available weekends and holidays through September. The pumpout boat comes directly to boats at marinas, anchorages, state parks and yacht club outstations throughout the Puget Sound. Help keep Puget Sound clean—and save yourself a trip to the pumpout station!

Click to Schedule a FREE Mobile Pumpout

Find all WA Pumpout Options & Report Problems

RBAW Annual Meeting - November 21st, 2026

Recreational Boating Safety Program Wants Your Feedback!

Hey Boaters!

The Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Program is seeking feedback on boating safety. We have two voluntary surveys. You only need to complete one survey - whichever matches the type of watercraft you use most often. That said, if you use both types regularly, you're welcome to complete both.

Registered boaters survey: Washington State Recreational Boating Survey: Registered Boaters – Fill out form
People who use human-powered watercraft. survey: Washington State Human-powered Watercraft Boating Safety Survey – Fill out form. We are especially interested in the experiences of people who kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or use other human-powered watercraft.

Your input will help us better understand your experience on the water and will inform future boating safety efforts for the state.

Each survey should take approximately ten minutes to complete. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. Your answers will have no impact on your vessel registration or boater education card status. You may stop the survey at any time.

As a thank-you, respondents may choose to enter a separate drawing for five $75 electronic gift cards. Entry into the drawing is optional, and contact information for the drawing will be collected separately from survey responses. Emails will not be shared with anyone.

Princess Louisa Marine Park Welcomes a New Park Ranger!

We know many of our members love to boat in Canada, and we have some good news about a favorite destination! Princess Louisa Marine Park has welcomed a new park ranger, Michelle Burns, who will be helping care for this spectacular and remote boating destination while welcoming visitors from near and far. We’re excited to share more about Michelle, her passion for the park, and the important role the Princess Louisa International Society plays in protecting this special place.

Set Sail for the Wooden Boat Festival

Calling all boat lovers! The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival returns September 11–13, bringing hundreds of beautiful wooden boats, skilled boatbuilders, maritime experts and boating enthusiasts together for three days of nautical fun. Explore the docks, watch boat races and the spectacular Sunday Sail By, attend hands-on workshops and presentations, and soak up the lively waterfront atmosphere. Get your tickets early to avoid long lines and enter through any festival gate. Whether you arrive by boat or land, Port Townsend is the place to be for celebrating the craftsmanship, history and enduring spirit of wooden boats!

Buy Tickets Today!

Duwamish Waterway East Deviation – What Boaters Need to Know

The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a temporary bridge operating deviation for the First Avenue South Bridge over the Duwamish Waterway to allow WSDOT crews to perform critical maintenance and repairs.

Effective: July 7, 2026 – January 8, 2027

During this period:

The bridge will NOT open from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily while maintenance is underway.
During normal daytime hours, the bridge will continue to operate under its regular opening schedule.
There is no alternate water route around the bridge, so vessels requiring an opening should plan their trips during daytime operating hours.
The bridge provides approximately 32 feet of vertical clearance over the center span (22 feet at the side spans) when closed, allowing many smaller recreational boats to pass without an opening depending on tide and air draft.

For more information contact Garrett Hutton at (206) 440-4626 or garrett.hutton@wsdot.wa.gov.

New Canadian SRKW Rules – 1000 Meter Distance Required

Now in effect, as of June 1, 2026, Canada has a 1000-meter (just under 1100 yards) 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.

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

In Washington Waters, the 1000 yd Distance Rule for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) Remains in Effect.

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

Stay 1,000 yards from Southern Resident killer whales.

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

Disengage engine(s) if Southern Resident killer whales appear within 400 yards, if safe to do so.

Stay 200 yards from Bigg’s/Transient killer whales

Not park in the path within 400 yards of Bigg’s/Transient killer whales

Stay 200 yards from baleen whales resting or with a calf.

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.

Be Whale Wise Website

Anchor Out of Eelgrass

What is eelgrass?

Eelgrass is a type of seagrass that forms dense underwater meadows, providing habitat for a variety of marine life like Dungeness crabs, salmon, and herring.

Why anchor out of eelgrass?

Anchoring is eelgrass can be risky for boaters because anchors do not hold well in the soft sand and mud where eelgrass grows. Instead of staying put, boats anchored in eelgrass are more likely to drift.

Anchoring in eelgrass can damage the fragile habitat. Boat anchors, chains, and lines can leave scars, creating bare patches that can accumulate over time. These bare patches disrupt the habitat, impacting marine life and potentially leading to erosion.

Voluntary no-anchor zones:

These zones are areas where anchoring is discouraged to protect eelgrass beds. They are marked by informational buoys, navigation apps, and onshore signs.

Best practices for anchoring near eelgrass:

Boaters can help these sensitive eelgrass beds thrive by anchoring in at least 25 feet (8 meters) of water at low tide to avoid the deepest edge of eelgrass meadows. If possible, use a mooring buoy.