Town of Windermere asks boaters to refrain from creating wakes

The town of Windermere is asking local boaters to refrain from creating wakes in the town's lakes. 

Windermere Police Chief David Ogden said the town has been championing a “No Wake Lake” zone with its counterparts in the county government throughout the weekend.  

Although the Windermere lakes were already at a historic high, the addition of massive amounts of rainfall from Hurricane Ian has exasperated the issue. 

According to the town, wakes can cause damage to the lake front and property, and may hinder cleanup efforts.

“Water levels are extremely high and docks are still underwater and wakes from boats are causing more damage,” Ogden explained. 

Boaters are asked to refrain from creating a wake while on the following town lakes: Lake Butler and Wauseon Bay, Lake Down, Lake Crescent, and Lake Bessie. 

The chief also said public boat ramps are closed in the county and the town of Windermere to help the cause. 

“Recreational boats creating wakes only exacerbate the problem,” he said. “Please use idle speed if you need to go on the waterway.”

All observed reckless or dangerous boating activity should be reported to the Orange County Sheriff's Office and/or Florida Fish & Wildlife.

For more Hurricane Ian updates in the town, click here.