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Bending the Rules (Without Breaking Them)
by Leslee Jaquette
Seattle's anchoring rules change for two summer events
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Normally, the Seattle Police Harbor Patrol practically keelhauls boaters who drop a hook in Lake Union and Lake Washington. But there are two important exceptions. On the Fourth of July and during Seafair's U.S. Navy Blue Angels air show and hydroplane races, the rules change.
During those celebrations, officers stow the cat-o'-nine-tails and allow boaters to anchor and moor in specific designated areas. Officer Erik Allen shared what boaters need to know in order to capitalize on these opportunities. He explained how boaters can anchor and moor properly for these Seattle events, and also reminded us that the remainder of maritime regulations stay in effect.
Fireworks on Lake Union
Early on the Fourth, once the fireworks barge is in place in the middle of Lake Union, the Harbor Patrol sets up a safety zone around the area. After that, boaters are allowed to anchor behind the buoys along both the northwest and northeast shores of Gas Works Park.
The other designated area is called the "South Anchorage" and comprises most of the south end of the lake from the barge safety zone to Chandler's Cove and the Naval Reserve Armory. As a result, hundreds of boats anchor and raft in these designated anchorages for the duration of the event.
Allen said most boats are in position by noon. Boaters need to understand they must be positioned behind the yellow buoys. If boats sprawl across that line, the Harbor Patrol will have to enforce the designation and ask boaters to move. This request inevitably causes disappointment and friction. To avoid last minute inconvenience and the possible ire of very busy and tired officers, Allen suggested boaters anchor properly.
He cautioned boaters that while the shoreline offers reasonable anchorage, the flat mud bottom is littered with 100 years of industrial waste. As a consequence, anchor lines may get tangled on all kinds of debris, such as cables and car chassis.
An awareness of the safety transit zones is integral to the success of the event and an important consideration for boaters. It is imperative that boaters keep moving through these corridors. "Boats can transit the safety lanes, but will not be allowed to loiter," Allen said. "The problem is that the area east of the barge is a great spot. But the reason it looks so good is that it has to be kept clear."
Allen added that once the display starts, the police halt all traffic in the safety lanes. The University, Montlake and Ballard bridges close to vessel traffic from the start of fireworks (10:40 p.m.) until 12:15 a.m. July 5. If the Harbor Patrol sees vessels stacking up in front of bridges, they will send them back out into the lake.
In addition, boaters need to know they are not allowed to depart after the fireworks until the technical crew checks the barge for any unexploded munitions. "Boaters need to be patient and continue to enjoy the evening," counseled Allen, who said the wait is usually less than 20 minutes. "They should plan on spending the day in one place and not expect to leave in a big hurry."
Once the OK is given, the mad rush starts for home. By then it is late, and people are tired. The tendency is to speed into Portage Bay. But don't do it.
"Please observe the seven knot, no wake speed limit," reminded Allen, who recalled how every year several boats get swamped by wakes.
Here's how to get home safely and legally: Remember that the "no wake" part of the law is the determining issue. Some boats kick up a wake traveling at five knots, so watch the waves not just the odometer. The speed limit is enforced from Shilshole Bay out to Webster Point in Lake Washington. Beyond that, the limit applies within 200 yards of saltwater and 100 yards of freshwater shorelines.
In order to "help" boaters remember to go slow, the Harbor Patrol and other enforcement agencies will provide a string of flashing lights to guide folks home. Posted at salient points such as the University Bridge, Montlake Cut and Webster Point, police vessels will be a preventative reminder.
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This article first appeared in the July 1, 1999 issue of Sea Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
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