RBAW Monthly Newsletter

- June 2025 -

#MindTheZone on Lake Union this Summer

Hanging out on Lake Union is what summer is all about in Seattle! If you're on Lake Union this summer, please be aware of the seaplane advisory buoys and move 200ft east or west if they’re flashing yellow. For more information, please check out rbaw.org/mindthezone or reach out to us at mindthezone@rbaw.org and have a safe and fun summer!!

Link to #MindTheZone

Meet "Poo-Get Sound"!!

Thank you to the hundreds of enthusiastic members and supporters for their votes and creativity in suggesting some clever alternatives!  We are thrilled to announce the winning name for the RBAW mobile pumpout vessel: “Poo‑Get Sound"

Why We Love “Poo-Get Sound”. It's a memorable name with a clever pun on “Puget Sound”. And it hints at the vessel’s mission, you know it’s about properly disposing of marine waste.  RBAW is proud to manage this program, working with the WA State Parks Boating Program to access Federal funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Trust and bring this FREE service to WA boaters on summer weekends and holidays – right where they are! Most importantly, we hope the name keeps the momentum going by sparking conversations and encouraging even more participation from Ports and Municipalities in clean-water efforts. Because while the name may be cheeky, clean boating and responsible waste disposal is no joke!

Keep a look out for her - and if you do the social media thing - we’d love you to snap a pic of “Poo-Get Sound” doing her thing and tag our RBAW social media accounts. 

This contest showcased the engagement and spirit of the RBAW community while highlighting the importance of our mission to protect boating access and bring services to recreational boaters. “Poo‑Get Sound” is a lighthearted symbol of that stewardship—ready to serve the West Sound and raise awareness, one pumpout at a time!

Marine Flare Collection Event

The Port of Poulsbo and Poulsbo Fire Department will be hosting a FREE expired marine flare collection event - safe and easy!! What a great time to check the expiration dates on your flares and properly dispose of any old ones. We thank the Poulsbo Fire Department and Port of Poulsbo for offering this valuable service to boaters.

2025 RBAW Annual Membership Meeting

It's really time . . . Let's Go Boating!

Welcome to summer! There's no better place to boat than the Pacific Northwest - we're re-sharing our summer articles and links so they're at your fingertips.

Do you have your WA State boater safety card? Does your crew?

Washington State Boater Education card 

See the Federal Equipment Requirements from our Members at BoatUS!  And don't forget to use your RBAW member discount on a towing package.

USCG Minimum Equipment Requirements

Find a New Boating Destination, Re-Discover an Old Favorite

Have fun putting together your checklist of destinations, creating your cruise itinerary and learning about new destinations while checking in on your favorites!

From our Contributing Members at Waggoner Guide!!

Cruising Destinations

From our ContributingMembers at Northwest Boat Travel!

Northwest Boat Travel

State Parks Boating

Marine Parks

Places to Go: Information regarding water access and Marine State Parks - Washington State RCO


Be Whale Wise

Stay a Safe Distance from Whales

Know the new 2025 rules and guidelines to follow in regards to your proximity to the whales while you are cruising. Educate yourself with the links below.

Anchor Out of Eelgrass

What is eelgrass?

Eelgrass is a type of seagrass that forms dense underwater meadows, providing habitat for a variety of marine life like Dungeness crabs, salmon, and herring.

Why anchor out of eelgrass?

Anchoring is eelgrass can be risky for boaters because anchors do not hold well in the soft sand and mud where eelgrass grows. Instead of staying put, boats anchored in eelgrass are more likely to drift.

Anchoring in eelgrass can damage the fragile habitat. Boat anchors, chains, and lines can leave scars, creating bare patches that can accumulate over time. These bare patches disrupt the habitat, impacting marine life and potentially leading to erosion.

Voluntary no-anchor zones:

These zones are areas where anchoring is discouraged to protect eelgrass beds. They are marked by informational buoys, navigation apps, and onshore signs.

Best practices for anchoring near eelgrass:

Boaters can help these sensitive eelgrass beds thrive by anchoring in at least 25 feet (8 meters) of water at low tide to avoid the deepest edge of eelgrass meadows. If possible, use a mooring buoy.

More info on Anchor Out

Cruising in Canada

Entry into Canada by Boat

We suggest keeping up to date with the Transport Canada page regarding rules, regulations, restricted zones, etc. Click the button below for more information.

Visitor Info

Safety Equipment Requirements in Canada

Click the button below for a list of Safety Equipment required in Canada.

Safety Equipment in Canada

Visiting Princess Louisa Inlet. They had a busy winter repairing and upgrading facilities in the inlet.

Princess Louisa

Here you will find a plethora of information on enjoying the Marine Parks in BC.

BC Marine Parks info

RBAW Executive Committee Meeting
June 30th, 2025
 | 4:00PM - 
 via Zoom

RBAW Finance Committee Meeting
July 15th, 2025
 | 9:00 AM - via 
Zoom

RBAW Executive Committee Meeting
July 28th, 2025
 | 4:00 PM - via 
Zoom

RBAW Board of Directors Meeting
September 4th, 2025
 | 6:00 PM - via Zoom only

Contributing Business Memberships

Where are you spending your boat dollars?

Ask your vendors to invest in what's important to the Recreational Boater and Support RBAW, and get notice by our 8,000+ members

Refer them to RBAW at 206.929.2757 or ExecutiveDirector@rbaw.org

Platinum Member - $10,000

  • Educational Speaking Consideration
  • Exhibitor Table at Annual Member Meeting
  • Ability to Offer Discounts to RBAW Members
  • Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
  • Member Directory Listing on RBAW Website
  • 2 Social Media Spotlights with Information of your Choice
  • Member Logo on Exhibit Booth Banner
  • Member Logo on Annual Meeting Banner
  • Named Member & Logo on RBAW Member Communications
  • Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter

Gold Member - $5,000

  • Ability to Offer Discounts to RBAW Members
  • Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
  • Member Directory Listing on RBAW Website
  • 1 Social Media Spotlight with Information of your Choice
  • Member Logo on Exhibit Booth Banner
  • Member Logo on Annual Meeting Banner
  • Named Member & Logo on RBAW Member Communications
  • Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter

Silver Member - $2,500

  • Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
  • Member Logo on Exhibit Booth Banner
  • Member Logo on Annual Meeting Banner
  • Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter

Bronze Member - $1,000

  • Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
  • Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter

Learn more about how your business can support what's important to the recreational boater in WA - and get noticed by our 8,000+ members, contact us at ExecutiveDirector@rbaw.org for more information.

RBAW's Gold Members!

RBAW's Silver Members!

RBAW's Bronze Members!

Follow us on social media and join our boating community!

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