Dave Sully pic 04_17 NW Spreader map
Among elements related to safe vessel operation, we have used this space as part of the Lee County Sheriff’s Marine Unit’s efforts to keep boaters aware of the machinations of the law regarding speed zones, especially related to manatees. In that vein, we have mentioned the cyclical changes in the law, referenced on the signage placed in Lee County waterways with regard to dates. In an effort to keep everyone informed, a fairly recent change in the law was enacted in Cape Coral in the popular Northwest Spreader Canal and Creek system. According to Cape Coral Marine Unit Sgt. Kurt Fundermark, in July of 2016, the State of Florida recognized that waterway as a manatee zone, turning the entire system into a slow speed, minimum wake area. This represented a quantum leap from the previous rules and required a behavioral change that has still not been fully absorbed by some in the local populace.
He noted, “Residents of the area, living north of Pine Island Road and West of Burnt Store Road, who may be using the canal system need to be aware of the slow speed minimum wake law to avoid possible citations, and to maintain a safe boating environment.”
Local boaters have become frustrated by speeding craft that not only pose a threat to manatees and the operators themselves, but the effect that large wakes have on moored vessels and shorelines.
“Slow speed” is not a part of the average boater’s lexicon, but, as we have emphasized in the past, there are places where exhaustive research has determined that “slow” is a necessary evil. While “slow speed” is commonly defined as “fully settled in the water producing minimum wake,” Sgt. Fundermark offered a more precise appraisal, explaining that a vessel needs to be fully settled with no rise to the bow as the vessel moves through the water and producing a wake that is not rolling over itself or creating white caps as the wake moves through the water. Based on different vessel and hull construction, some vessels produce less or more wake at different speeds. He suggested that adopting that explanation should keep all vessels within the slow speed minimum wake standards.
Assuming that boaters get the “drift” on the definition of slow speed, the next challenge is to make the public aware of the new rules. Fundermark noted that the effort is ongoing, but there is always a small percentage who decide they are going to do what they want, regardless of the regulations.
He added, “I have been writing tickets for speed. We have been doing stops for warnings. We want to get the word out because the fear is that some people might not know that the law changed because there had to be coordination with the State Legislature to change all the signs. Based on the intelligence that they had, they put seven signs in the system. There are more than twenty-two miles of canals and seven signs. Maybe there are people who live in a place where they see only one or two of those signs. We’ll do the enforcement, but we want boaters to be informed if they aren’t already aware of the change. We’re going to do some public information booths. We’ll be at the Burnt Store boat ramp, the Burnt Store Publix and the 7 Eleven. We’ll be out there for several days handing out explanatory paraphernalia. When it comes to enforcement, we will cite violators when we need to.”
Regarding enforcement, there are other agencies with jurisdiction that can assist, including the Lee County Sheriff and the FWC, but as Sgt. Fundermark declared, “It’s our backyard, and we’re going to handle most of it.” He also noted that he has asked the Cape Coral Auxiliary Squadron to monitor violations so that they can know when and where to concentrate their efforts.
Sgt. Fundermark and the Cape Coral Marine Unit are passionate about the new regulations on the Northwest Spreader Canal and Creek System. If the boating community cooperates and spreads the word as well, the transition will be that much smoother.
The attached map was done while the law was still in proposal stage, but has the NW Spreader area outlined in red.