Boaters are reminded that the floatplane zone on Lake Union in Seattle will once again be busy with planes arriving and departing along the designated operations area. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, a line of 5 lighted buoys extends north from the Museum of History & Industry building and marks the runway in the center of the lake. Aircraft, taking off and landing, trigger flashing yellow lights on the buoys to indicate floatplane operation so boats and other water craft know to clear the area. When these lights are activated, vessels and hand-powered craft need to stay 200 yards away on either side of the line of buoys. Traffic on Lake Union has grown significantly over the last few years – boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and floatplanes all share these waters, necessitating the floatplane zone and an awareness campaign.
RBAW (Recreational Boating Association of Washington) is part of the outreach awareness campaign for Lake Union users in the effort to minimize potential conflicts between non-motorized and motorized vessels and floatplanes. Funding for this awareness campaign came from the State’s RCO (Recreation and Conservation Office) boating grant programs. RBAW was awarded the contract for floatplane safety awareness for the “on shore” part of the campaign and continues to inform boaters through on-shore signage, articles, and other social media.
As we enter the very busy 2023 boating season, boaters are reminded to review their charts, stay alert, and maintain situational awareness. Do not tie up to the advisory buoys even when they are not flashing.
