JOINT RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO STUDY AND REGULATE THE IMPACT OF WAKE BOATS ON RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC WATERWAYS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou Raptakis and 3 co-sponsors

DEM would study wake boat impacts on RI waterways and develop regulations on limits, depths, setbacks, and operation rules to protect environment and safety.

06/05/2026 Referred to House State Government & Elections

Purpose and intent

SR 2657 is a joint resolution urging the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study and regulate the impact of wake boats on Rhode Island public waterways.

The resolution cites environmental, public safety, and shoreline impacts associated with wake boat operation and calls for a comprehensive, state-led regulatory response modeled after regulatory approaches in other New England states.

Key provisions and changes

Commissioned study: DEM is urged to expeditiously conduct a comprehensive scientific study of wake boat effects on Rhode Island freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The study should cover environmental, ecological, shoreline, water quality, invasive species, and public safety aspects.

Data and analysis scope: The study should analyze factors such as lake size and depth, shoreline characteristics, sediment composition, nutrient loading, and proximity to sensitive habitats. It should also include a review of regulatory models used by other New England states.

Regulatory framework: DEM is urged to develop and promulgate regulations that establish:

Appropriate limits and prohibitions related to wake boat operation.
Minimum depth requirements for wake boat activity.
Minimum shoreline setback distances from shorelines and structures.
A clear regulatory framework detailing where, when, and how wake boats may operate within Rhode Island.

Oversight and transmission: The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the DEM Director, effectively guiding the agency’s actions.

Who/what is affected

Primary: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) as the agency responsible for conducting the study and drafting regulations.

Public waterways: Freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in Rhode Island, including habitats that are sensitive or vulnerable to sediment disturbance and nutrient loading.

Stakeholders likely affected by future rules: Wake boat operators, shoreline property owners, recreational users (swimmers, kayakers, paddleboarders, anglers), local communities around lakes, and industries connected to lake recreation and tourism.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced February 27, 2026; referred to Senate Environment & Agriculture.

Action history indicates a committee recommendation to hold for further study (April 15, 2026) and scheduling for hearing/consideration (May 29–June 2, 2026).

As a concurrent resolution, it does not itself create laws but mandates an agency-directed study and subsequent rulemaking process.

Outcome would be a DEM-backed regulatory framework governing wake boat operation, guided by the study results and modeled after regional precedents.

Context and rationale

The bill emphasizes the vulnerability of Rhode Island’s numerous small freshwater bodies to disturbance from wake boats.

It highlights environmental concerns (sediment resuspension, nutrient release, algal blooms, reduced oxygen, light limitation) and ecological impacts (habitat degradation, biodiversity loss), as well as shoreline erosion and safety concerns for other water users.

The proposal aligns with similar regulatory efforts in neighboring states aimed at balancing recreation with environmental protection and public safety.