Careless Operation and “No Wake” Zones

Louisiana law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Careless Operation is failing to operate a vessel in a careful and prudent manner and thereby endangering the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of illegal, careless operation are:

• Causing danger or damage from the wake of your vessel
• Operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger, injury, or damage; be aware of and obey all regulatory markers

“No Wake” Zones: “No wake” zones have been established on all Louisiana waterways within 300 feet of:

• A boat ramp that is open to the general public.
• A dock adjacent to a boat ramp that is open to the general public. Vessels must be operated at “bare steerage speed” and produce no wake.