NO WAKE ZONE AND EXTENDED TENNEY BOAT LOCK OPERATION FOR LAKE MENDOTA and RHYTHM & BOOMS

June 26, 2006
Joanne Haas, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today reminded boaters there is a “Slow-No-Wake Zone” on the entire surface of Lake Mendota during the Rhythm & Booms fireworks display. The “Slow-No-Wake” zone will be in effect from sunset (approximately 8:45 P.M.) to midnight on Saturday, July 1st (or rain date Sunday July 2nd). Rhythm & Booms causes a large increase in boating on Lake Mendota, most of which occurs after dark. The congestion and low visibility creates potentially hazardous boating situations. The Dane County Sheriff’s Department will have patrol boats patrolling the lake. “Rhythm & Booms is a family entertainment at its finest and always attracts quite a crowd – both on land and water,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “This is why the ‘Slow-No-Wake Zone’ on Lake Mendota for a few hours is needed. It helps make this popular event safer.” Falk also announced operations will be extended at the county’s newly renovated Tenney Boat Lock as another convenience for boaters using the lakes during Rhythm & Booms. The Lock will remain open until midnight on Saturday, July 1st (or rain date July 2nd.) “This means boaters will not have to rush to reach the boat lock after the fireworks display,” Falk said. In the fall of 2002, Chapter 72 of the County Code of Ordinances was amended to create a permanent Slow No-Wake Zone on the entire surface of Lake Mendota from sunset to midnight on the date of the annual Rhythm and Booms fireworks display. For more information you may contact the Dane County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol at (608) 284-6878 or the Dane County Parks Office at (608) 246-3896. # # #