Please Wake Responsibly
For over a decade the Wake Responsibly campaign has been spreading awareness on how to be a better (and safer) boater.
Provided by the Water Sports Industry Association
The Water Sports Industry Association’s (WSIA) Wake Responsibly campaign is a nationwide education and advocacy initiative designed to promote courteous boating practices while protecting access to waterways. Launched in 2015, the campaign has 10 actively participating manufacturers, an annual budget of $250,000, and just this year expanded into retail stores through a partnership with West Marine.
What is the campaign?
Wake Responsibly seeks to educate boaters on simple operating practices that reduce conflicts and encourage safe, sustainable use of shared waterways. The campaign is built around three core messages:
Stay at least 200 feet from shore, docks, and other boats.
Keep onboard music at a reasonable level.
Minimize repetitive passes in the same area.
These practices directly address the most common complaints associated with towed water sports and wake surfing while helping preserve access to waterways for future participants.
Why it matters
The campaign has become increasingly important as wake sports face heightened scrutiny and regulatory proposals in some states and local communities. Wake Responsibly is a proactive, industry-led effort to demonstrate responsible boating behavior and reduce the need for restrictive regulations. The initiative illustrates the industry’s dedication to policymakers, residents, and other waterway users that the water sports community is actively addressing concerns rather than waiting for government intervention.
Education-focused approach
What began as a signage and awareness campaign has expanded into a broader educational platform that includes videos, downloadable materials, dealer resources, compliance exams, public seminars, launch-ramp signs, and on-water training opportunities. The campaign is supported by partnerships with organizations including the Water Sports Foundation and the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety.
In 2023, the campaign’s educational video entitled “A Great Day on the Water” received the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Seal of Safe Boating Practices, making WSIA the first industry association to earn the recognition. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=jRV6jQA1wYy7f8yc&v=oZpUHAzhvMc&feature=youtu.be
For more information on this campaign, visit wakeresponsibly.com.
Photos courtesy of WSIA.