Many of Maine's lakes and ponds are experiencing unusually high water levels, according to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in a news releases. High water levels combined with boat wakes make shorelines more susceptible to erosion and property damage.

MDIFW reminds people to follow Maine's headway speed law and maintain headway speed within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands. When recreating on waters with increased water levels, consider reducing your speed and wake even outside of the headway speed zone to lessen your impact. 

"Headway Speed" means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and control of the watercraft. You must operate a watercraft at "headway speed" while:

• Within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands.
• Within a marina or an approved anchorage in coastal or inland waters. 

“This law was designed to keep everyone on the water safe, reduce erosion, and to help protect wildlife such as loons that nest on the shoreline,” said MDIFW.

To learn more: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/boating/index.html