No-wake zone may ease conflict between kayakers and boaters

 

A marine commission aims to calm the waters between kayakers and boaters by establishing a no-wake zone near the U.S. National Whitewater Center on the Catawba River.

Brad Thomas, chairman of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission, said the zone will slow down motorized boats that could pose a safety risk to people kayaking and paddle boarding in the area. He said he expects the no-wake zone to be established in about a year.

“It’s a narrow area anyway, and it’s becoming more congested,” he said. “We’re afraid there is going to be an accident.”

The marine commission last week voted 6-1 to start the process to expand the no-wake zone around Saddler Island.

The commission will suggest to the ...more