House Natural Resources committee advances Abbott bill to restrict wakesurfing at night and on small lakes

The House Committee on Natural Resources voted 12–0 to advance a bill that would extend existing nighttime and small-lake restrictions to wakesurfing on public freshwater lakes.

Representative Dave Abbott, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee HB 1062 would close what he called a loophole by making wakesurfing subject to the same night and small-lake speed rules that already apply to water-skiing and other high-speed boating. “We want the lake safe for everybody,” Abbott said, adding that the change is “a common-sense approach” to align enforcement and reduce nighttime hazards.

Supporters who testified described safety and environmental reasons for the change. David Van Gilder, senior policy and legal director for the Hoosier Environmental Council, said the bill would reduce risky boating behavior and “also means less erosion and less damage to aquatic vegetation” as a secondary benefit. Lynn Creighton, executive director of the Watershed Foundation, told the committee many residents assume a 10-mile-an-hour small-lake limit already bans wakes; she said wakesurfing boats can make 3- to 5-foot wakes that erode shorelines and harm small-lake ecosystems.

Jim Kerwin, a retired botanist and water-quality specialist, described being swamped at night by a wakesurfing boat: “Their nose is so high up. They don’t see where they’re going, and I got swamped.” He and other lake residents said shoreline and island damage have increased in recent years.

Will Haynes, legislative director for the Department of Natural Resources, said the agency is neutral while it reviews potential environmental impacts. He summarized the bill as prohibiting wakeboarding and wakesurfing on public freshwater lakes between sunset and sunrise and within small lakes — testimony referenced a small-lake range described in committee as roughly 70 to 300 acres — unless a local speed exemption is in place.

Committee members did not propose amendments during the hearing. Chair Shane Lindauer called the roll after closing remarks and announced the committee vote: 12 yes, 0 no. The bill will proceed to the next committee or floor step in the House.

The hearing record shows the measure drew testimony from environmental groups, lake associations and affected residents who emphasized both boater safety and shoreline protection; DNR’s neutral position means the agency may return with technical feedback as the bill moves forward.