The DNR reminds the public to boat responsibly by staying sober and always wearing a life jacket. 

Operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness and speeding are the four leading causes of watercraft crashes, with the leading cause of death being drowning. 

Drowning can happen to experienced swimmers. Most people who drown in boating-related incidents know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water, such as being injured, unconscious, exhausted or weighed down by clothing.

So far in 2025, there have been five boating fatalities in Wisconsin, and two victims were confirmed not wearing life jackets. In 2024, there were 14 boating fatalities, 10 of which involved a victim not wearing a life jacket.

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. Innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allow mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing or paddling and are much cooler in warmer weather.

Follow these safety tips and enjoy Wisconsin's lakes and rivers with family and friends.

• Sign up now to take an online boater education course.

• Always wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket when on or near the water. A life jacket will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpower you or you fall out of a boat.

• Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person's judgment, reaction time and abilities.

• Keep an eye on the weather and tell someone where you are going.

Be ready for the unexpected, and always wear your life jacket. Learn more about watersport safety on the DNR’s Boat Safety webpage..

Healthy water starts on shore

New native plant garden at Osthoff Beach

To read more about his grant initiated project, "CLICK HERE".

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges anglers to drain water from their boats and equipment this fishing season.  

The warmer weather has got Wisconsinites back out on the water!

Unfortunately, some of our lakes and rivers contain aquatic diseases and difficult-to-see invasive species, like spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae.

Wisconsin law requires boaters and anglers to drain livewells, motors and containers before leaving a boat launch or fishing spot to prevent the transport of diseases and invasive species from one waterbody to the next. 

To read the whole article, "CLICK HERE".

Managing Invasive Species in Elkhart Lake

In just a few short weeks on June 20th we will reach the summer solstice. We wait patiently all year for when early sunrises and late sunsets cast their colors over the crystal-clear water. It’s the time for dipping in an oar, getting up on water skis, and casting a line. Contrary to the popular winter holiday songs, in Elkhart Lake, June signals the start of the most wonderful time of the year.

With all the busyness and beauty that comes with Wisconsin summer also comes another season of caring for the lake. Elkhart Lake is known for its water quality and each summer is another opportunity for lake users to be stewards. Whether a swimmer, boater, fishing enthusiast, or sunset catcher, we can all contribute to keeping the water clean and safe. One of the most important ways we can take part in the upkeep of our local watershed is in the management of invasive species.   To read the whole article, "CLICK HERE". 

Wake Surfing survey results

Your ELIA Board has been closely following the discussions in the Village of Elkhart Lake and the Town of Rhine concerning potential legislation on wake surfing. To gather our membership's perspective, we conducted an email survey. We appreciate the robust response, which also included input from non-members.

The survey results indicate a strong sentiment regarding wake surfing. Across all participants, 80.76% (105 individuals) recommended a complete ban, while 7.69% (10 individuals) suggested restrictions, and 11.53% (15 individuals) favored maintaining the existing regulations.

Among ELIA members specifically, the support for a complete ban was even stronger, with 86.73% (85 members) in favor. Additionally, 6.12% (6 members) suggested restrictions, and 7.14% (7 members) preferred no change.

Many survey participants shared their specific concerns about wake surfing on Elkhart Lake and offered valuable suggestions. You can review these comments in detail by clicking on this link.

Addressing phosphorus runoff in Elkhart Lake

Spring in Wisconsin is officially here! Some days summer feels out of reach. Other days, the sun is just warm enough to remind us of returning to the beach or paddling a kayak. While we all patiently wait for our days at the lake to return, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) takes advantage of the quieter months to study and make plans for keeping the water healthy. When it comes to maintaining crystal clear water, there is a lot of year-round data collection and data analysis.  To read this whole article, "CLICK HERE". 

ELIA 2025 projects update

While the lake takes a little rest in the frozen winter months, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) is preparing for when the water wakes up again. 2025 is stacking up to be another exciting year for the local non-profit. May through August will be particularly busy with continued field work. With the help of volunteers, the water scientists at ELIA will continue collecting water samples to measure levels of nitrogen, nitrates, phosphorus, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, and total suspended solids.  To read this whole article "CLICK HERE".