Seattle Parks has (finally) moved the closing time at Golden Gardens from 11:30 up to 10pm.
This time change is intended to help mitigate an increase in public safety issues and illegal activity at the park, including acts of violence, excessive noise violations, illegal fires, illegal parking, unpermitted events, and blocked access for emergency vehicles.
read more here: Seattle Parks and Recreation to pilot new opening and closing hours at Golden Gardens Park – Parkways
….with no motors allowed! This race started this past Monday and has a 2 week time limit. It was created in lieu of the Race to Alaska that has been so popular the last couple years (but temp cancelled till Canada opens).
This is 360 miles around the sound, Port Townsend, Olympia, Bellingham, Point Roberts and back to PT. Read more and follow the boats here…
This past week has been National Safe Boating Week and we are never to old (or experienced) to review some boater basics…
boating-water-safety-tips-washington/
Washington Boating Safety Course: BoatUS Foundation
Beginning next week, the Port will be painting/striping the section of parking lot just south of the admin building and north of the new M3 restroom, and they have put up signage to be out by Sunday the 16th. This means all those cars from that area will likely be parking to the south (closer to the old M2 restroom and in front of E/D docks), making available parking very scarce.
Make sure your 2021 parking sticker is in your window as the Port will be ticketing and may tow any improperly parked vehicles. Any concerns should be directed to the Marina’s 24/7 cell phone 206-601-4089.
SEATTLE – A sewage spill from the West Point Treatment Plan has shut down water recreation at some beaches on both sides of Puget Sound.
Public Health Seattle & King County has banned swimming and other water activities at Golden Gardens Park in King County due to the spill.
West Point sewage spill closes beaches on both sides of Puget Sound | KOMO (komonews.com)
Shilshole Bay Marina is offering free coffee to it’s customers in celebration of Opening Day of Boating Season, Saturday, May 1st…
With Canada still closed (and most likely will be the rest of the summer), those looking to cruise to Alaska have questions about transiting through Canada. Though the rules that govern their Covid restrictions (stops/fuel, food/rest) are strict (and confusing), it can be done. Just do your homework. Here is a graphic that shows the procedures…
20210308-process-diagram-covid-and-canada-boating-borders
https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/border#waters
Unfortunately, the great fireworks show in Liberty Bay at Poulsbo has been cancelled again this year.
http://www.vikingfest.org/3rd-of-july/
Update: Because so many boaters, boating businesses and Senate leaders spoke up, the Senate removed any increase to the Watercraft Excise Tax in their Senate budget. We are turning off the action-alert campaign at this time. NMTA
This is something that affects all of us boaters so please take a moment to review this message from the Northwest Marine Trade Assoc. and the Recreational Boating Assoc. of Washington
All Boaters,
This morning I testified before the Senate Transportation Committee opposing a new proposal to double the watercraft excise tax. This is the tax Washington boaters pay annually when they register their boats.
Boaters are the only user group that pay an excise tax and we think it is unfair and inappropriate to increase this tax.
The funds from this Vessel Excise Tax go directly into the state general fund.
Please take action now and let our state senators know you do not support this increase. It only takes one minute! Click this LINK now to send a message to your state senator.
Sincerely,
George Harris
NMTA President/CEO
from the Washington State Parks Boating Program….
Life jacket survey for recreational boaters:
Do you have three minutes to spare? As a recreational boater, your feedback matters.
In recent years, Washington state legislators have proposed potential bills to address gaps in recreational boating safety and education. The Washington State Parks Boating Program would like your feedback about one of those recent proposals — mandatory life jacket wear on human-powered watercraft.
The survey is five questions, your answers are confidential and no personally identifying questions are asked. Take the survey
Thank you for your time, we appreciate the feedback.
About the Washington State Boating Program
Washington State Parks administers the state’s Boating Program, which provides leadership in boating safety and environmental education and outreach. The program is funded primarily by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through federal grants. The goal of the program is to reduce accidents and fatalities, increase stewardship of Washington waterways, and keep recreational boating a safe, accessible and enjoyable pastime. For more information on the Boating Program, visit: http://www.washingtonstateparks.us/Boating
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