Lake Welfare Committee proposes permit for high‑wake boats after wake‑surfing complaints

The Lake Welfare Committee told the Delafield Common Council it plans to draft a permit and education program for high‑wake boats after concluding voluntary education alone has not reduced problematic operations. Paul (committee representative) described existing signs and outreach as insufficient and said a permit — with a nominal $5–$10 fee to cover administration — could require boat operators to complete a short class or acknowledge rules before receiving permission to operate high‑wake boats on Delafield’s waters.

"If they had a permit, and at least we'd know they either had a very small class or at least had a had a sign off that you have to do this, this, and this," the speaker said, explaining the permit would create a record that operators knew the rules and could be the basis for fines or enforcement if they violated conditions.

The committee asked the council whether it would support further work on a permit proposal and possibly placing a recommendation on a future agenda. Council members said a permit proposal and a model from another jurisdiction would be useful; public safety and enforcement logistics were raised as concerns. No ordinance was introduced or adopted at the meeting; the committee will prepare a formal permit proposal for council consideration.

The committee emphasized the intent to use the permit primarily as a forced‑education mechanism and not primarily as a revenue source. The proposed permit also would include visible proof (for example, a sticker) so officers or citizens could identify permitted vessels.