RBAW Monthly Newsletter
- May 2025 -
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#MindTheZone on Lake Union this Summer
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RBAW is gearing up for summer 2025 on Lake Union, with just a few weeks left until the seaplane advisory buoys will be installed from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hanging out on Lake Union is what summer is all about in Seattle, but as more users flock to the lake, we all need to continue to be aware of other lake traffic and continue to share this resource. If you see the seaplane advisory buoys flash yellow, a seaplane is getting ready to take off or land: please move 200 feet east or west and give them a little space - it's the nice thing to do!
Our Campaign Director, Kirk Myers, will be reaching out to Lake Union businesses to continue the campaign’s partnership with them, to educate their employees, and install MindTheZone signage for all to see.
Please help us keep everyone safe on Lake Union this summer and reach out to MindTheZone@RBAW.org if you would like signage for your business, marina, yacht club, paddle group, etc.
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MindTheZone is Hiring!
Do you love boating, paddling, or spending time on Lake Union?
Do you enjoy interfacing with the public?
Do you excel at IRL marketing and communications?
This summer seasonal (part-time) opportunity may be for you! |
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Name the RBAW Mobile Pumpout Vessel Help Name the RBAW Mobile Pumpout Vessel. We are over the moon with our beautiful new pumpout vessel, and our girl needs a name. Click the button below to select one of the names, and you can also give us your suggestions - we'll pick a name in early June and make it official. This vessel was built in Marysville WA by Pacific Skiffs and will be used to operate our West Puget Sound FREE Mobile Pumpout program from May through September! |
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WA Recreational Pumpout Facilities Assessment
WRPFA Study - Public Webinar to be held June 9th. As a
longtime proponent of recreational boating pump-out facilities (fixed and
mobile), RBAW spearheaded state lobbying efforts to augment the federal Clean
Vessel Act funds that states receive. In 2022-23, we helped form a
coalition that teamed up with the WA State Parks Boating Program to secure $1.8
million in 2023-25 Capital Budget dollars for added recreational and commercial
pump-out activities. SB 5200 allocated funds for an
updated Washington Recreational Pumpout Facilities Assessment in 2024, to be
completed in fall 2025. This report will assess the waste infrastructure
system that supports recreational boating in Washington State. Its
recommendations are intended to guide investments in waste disposal
infrastructure, boater education and outreach, and legislative
engagement. Please consider joining the public
webinar to learn more about the state's pumpout facilities and provide input. |
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Legislative Update
2025 Legislature Adjourns Session on Time, April 27
The 2025 legislature finished their business of the 105-day session on April 27. The session was hectic, as the legislature passed their two-year operating, transportation, and capital budgets while also dealing with a $12-15 billion dollar shortfall over the four-year period in the operating budget, and significant transportation budget challenges as well. In the end, RBAW did come out with significant wins this session.
As you have likely heard by now, RBAW in conjunction with the Northwest Marine Trade Association and various other stakeholders successfully defeated a proposed “luxury tax” on vessels that would have added a new 10% tax on vessels sold over $500k. Getting this tax taken off the table was a great win for the entire marine industry in Washington! While this tax was removed, boaters didn’t go unscathed. The legislature did add a 0.5% sales tax on vessels that will go into effect in July of 2026. In that same broad reaching transportation revenue bill, the legislature also raised the gas tax by six cents beginning in July of 2025. As there is no distinction for marine gas this will impact many boaters. On a brighter note for RBAW’s focus on preserving and growing recreational boating facilities, we were successful in securing $1M in the capital budget for the Lakebay Marina creosote piling removal work. This generous $1M grant coupled with an additional $500K that we have received in previous years should allow us to remove the old pier and pilings and stabilize the structure under the historic overwater structure. The removal will then allow us to apply for additional grants to install a new pier, utilities and ultimately new docks for visiting recreational boaters.
Additionally, RBAW also secured a $200k budget proviso to continue the water safety initiative on Lake Union. RBAW is very pleased with these strong results for boaters in the 2025 legislative session, which was a very difficult year to secure resources from the state. While the legislature has adjourned, Governor Ferguson has until May 20th to act on bills and sign the budget delivered to him. Watch this space, we will report on any significant action taken by the Governor on these Legislative proposals. |
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Let's Go Boating!
Well, we did it. Winter concluded, Spring has arrived, Opening Day of Boating has come and gone. Maybe your shake down cruise is in the books, your spring cleaning and vessel prep is completed and you are ready to get out and go boating! Here are some resources and links to assist you as you start planning your summer on the water. Safety first! |
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See the Federal Equipment Requirements from our partners at Boat US! |
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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! |
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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. |
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Safety Equipment Requirements in Canada
Click the button below for a list of Safety Equipment required in Canada. |
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Visiting Princess Louisa Inlet. They had a busy winter repairing and upgrading facilities in the inlet. |
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Here you will find a plethora of information on enjoying the Marine Parks in BC. |
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Be Whale Wise Stay a Safe Distance from Whales There are new guidelines and rules to follow in regards to your proximity to the whales while you are cruising. Educate yourself with the links below. |
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Small Locks - Still Closed |
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Just a reminder that the small locks are still closed for repair and maintenance. Closure info: The small lock will be closed to vessel traffic from 0700 on Feb. 18, 2025, to 0600 on May 19, 2025, for saw cutting, concrete drilling and demolition. All loud noise and vibration-inducing work will be completed before the end of this period. The small lock will remain closed to vessel traffic for final installations and commissioning from May 19, 2025, to June 18, 2025. |
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Clink the link below for the boater information from the US Army corps of Engineers.
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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:
Anchor in at least 25 feet (8 meters) of water at low tide to avoid the deepest edge of eelgrass meadows. If possible, tie up at a marina or mooring buoy. |
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We are elated to welcome back the Port Orchard Yacht Club. Port Orchard was one of the original clubs when RBAW came to existence during the Sucia Island acquisition. In addition, they are a part of the Grand 14 Yacht Clubs in Puget Sound. Thank you and Welcome Back! |
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Contributing Business Members
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We've added more Contributing Members. Please consider supporting those that support recreational boating with your boating dollars! RBAW would like to thank all of our Contributing Business Members for their investment in Recreational Boating!
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Boat Insurance Agency
Thank you for your Silver Membership! The Boat Insurance Agency is an independent agency representing the best marine insurance companies. We carefully compare a number of policies to find the lowest premiums and best values for your boat insurance needs. We invite you to request an insurance quotation and learn more about Boat Insurance Agency. |
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Roche Harbor Resort
Thank you for your Bronze Membership! Roche Harbor is a beautiful, historical destination in the San Juan Islands. Get your reservations in for your summer cruising! Thank you for supporting Recreational Boating! |
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RBAW Membership Committee Meeting
May 19th, 2025 | 12:00PM - Zoom
RBAW Legislative Committee Meeting
May 20th, 2025 | 4:00 PM - Zoom
RBAW Executive Committee Meeting
May 26th, 2025 | 4:00 PM - Zoom
RBAW Board of Directors Meeting
June 5th, 2025 | 5:00 PM - Seattle Yacht Club and Zoom |
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Contributing Business Membership Opportunities |
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 Please 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. |
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Follow us on social media and join our boating community!
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