RBAW Monthly Newsletter

- May 2026 -

RBAW’s FREE Mobile Pumpout Service Returns for Summer 2026

As RBAW kicks off the third year of our current 3-year Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program for West Puget Sound, we’re excited to once again offer boaters FREE mobile pumpout services throughout key West Puget Sound destinations from May into September.

This summer, boaters can access complimentary mobile pumpout service in Liberty Bay and the Port of Poulsbo guest dock, Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island, and at popular State Marine Park destinations including Blake Island and Illahee, as well as Ft. Ward. These services help keep our waters clean while making it easier and more convenient for boaters to properly dispose of vessel waste — right where they are.

Did you know -- this program is funded through the federal Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, supported by federal excise taxes generated through boat fuel, marine engines, and fishing equipment purchases. Through the federal Clean Vessel Act program, those boater-generated dollars are returned to participating states to fund pumpout infrastructure and services that directly benefit recreational boating and water quality.

On behalf of Washington’s recreational boating community, RBAW successfully accessed these federal funds by applying for CVA grants through the Washington State Parks Clean Vessel Act program. The current grant has enabled a regional mobile pumpout service in West Puget Sound, dramatically increasing service availability in high-use boating areas.

To date, the program has completed more than 1,700 pumpouts and collected over 43,000 gallons of vessel waste — a tremendous example of boaters participating in practical, real-world environmental stewardship.

Looking ahead, RBAW has applied for a new three-year CVA grant through WA State Parks to continue service in the West Sound from 2027 through 2029 - as well as a grant for the engineering and design of a program and boat build for the San Juan Islands, in support of a 2027 service kickoff. As part of the West Sound effort, RBAW is actively working with local municipalities, ports, and public partners to secure commitment for the required 25% matching funds necessary for this federal program. These partnerships are critical to maintaining and expanding this successful water quality service well into the future.

RBAW is proud to continue leading efforts that improve boating access, protect water quality, and deliver practical environmental solutions for Washington’s boating community.

Don’t forget to schedule your FREE pumpout this summer when visiting the West Sound service area. And when boating in the South Sound this summer, a FREE mobile pumpout program is also available through Pierce County’s Clean Vessel Act program.

Schedule a FREE Pumpout

#MTZ on Lake Union this Summer

RBAW is gearing up for summer 2026 on Lake Union, with just a week 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. MindTheZone outreach coordinators will be circulating throughout Lake Union this summer, helping boaters and visitors recognize the seaplane advisory buoys and understand what to do when they begin flashing.

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.

#MindTheZone

Download PDF of Map Above

We Want to Hear From You!

As the RBAW Legislative Committee begins looking ahead to next year’s priorities, we want to hear from you.

Many yacht clubs don’t hold regular meetings during the summer cruising season, so we wanted to start this conversation early while members still have time to talk through ideas within their clubs and boating communities.

RBAW exists to advocate for recreational boaters across Washington State, and some of our strongest legislative priorities over the years have come directly from member feedback. Whether it’s boating access, derelict vessels, water safety, taxes and fees, marina concerns, environmental regulations, anchoring issues, or something unique affecting your local waters, we want to know what matters most to you.

As we begin putting together a draft legislative agenda for the 2027 session this September, we’re inviting both member clubs and individual members to send in ideas, concerns, and policy suggestions for consideration by the Legislative Committee.

Please send comments or proposals to: leg@rbaw.org

You can also learn more about RBAW’s current legislative efforts and priorities on the RBAW Legislative Page.

Good advocacy starts with good input from the boating community. We encourage members to start these conversations now so your voice can help shape RBAW’s legislative work in Olympia next year.

Lake Chelan Boating Club - Welcome to RBAW!

Please join us in welcoming our newest sustaining RBAW member, Lake Chelan Boating Club! We are excited to have them join our growing community of boating organizations dedicated to promoting recreational boating, advocacy, education, and stewardship across Washington State. Welcome aboard!

Free Vessel Turn-In Program

The Department of Natural Resources is hosting a free Vessel Turn-In Event this Summer for Washington residents who want to dispose of unwanted or deteriorating boats. The program helps prevent vessels from becoming abandoned and reduces pollution by recycling as much material as possible

To participate, applicants must submit a notarized application, proof of ownership, and photos of their vessel by May 31, 2026 to dvrp@dnr.wa.gov. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-approved basis. Vessels 34 feet or smaller are accepted, with larger vessels being reviewed individually. Transportation assistance may be coordinated through the program. Port of Bremerton tenants that need their application notarized may do so at the Port of Bremerton administrative offices, located at Bremerton National Airport, during regular business hours (M-F, 8 AM - 4:30 PM).

For full details, please review the flyer below. For more information and to recieve help, visit Kitsap County's website.

National Safe Boating Week: May 16-22, 2026

As Washington’s boating season kicks into gear, it’s time to dust off the life jackets, untangle the dock lines, and remember that “winging it” is best left to the seagulls. The Safe Boating Campaign is here to help recreational boaters stay safe, prepared, and afloat — because the only thing that should be making waves this season is your wake (but not in a no wake zone!).

Safe Boating Campaign

Prepare for Boating Season

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, a national leader that promotes safe, clean and responsible boating recommends these safety tips for boaters:

Before You Boat … Check your fit: Take a few minutes to ensure you have enough right-sized life jackets for everyone aboard and that they are readily available in case of an emergency. While on board, wear your life jacket and ensure you are meeting your state requirement for life jacket wear by visiting https://www.boatus.org/life-jackets/state-requirements.
Before You Boat … Inspect your beacon: Confirm your emergency beacon is working and accessible, so help can find you quickly in case something unexpected happens. Pro Tip: Rent a beacon for free through the BoatUS Foundation EPIRB rental program.
Before You Boat …File a float plan: Let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back. This can be as simple as texting your trip details to a trusted friend or family member who is ready to act if you're overdue.
Before You Boat … Attach your ECOS: If your helm is equipped with an engine cutoff switch and your boat is 26’ or under, attach it to your person. This will help stop your engine immediately if you're thrown overboard.
Before You Boat … Check the weather: Use free apps like Tide Alert (NOAA) to check weather conditions and tides before heading out.
Before You Boat … Make safety a priority: Treat safety as part of the trip, not as an afterthought. BoatUS Foundation offers the only free online boating safety course, currently approved in 37states, register here and get started.

Duwamish Waterway Deviation Starting July 7th

Duwamish Waterway East - 1st Ave South Drawbridge - Seattle WA

The Coast Guard intends to approve a temporary deviation that governs the operating schedule for the 1st Avenue Bridge (LLNR 16887) across the Duwamish Waterway, mile 2.5, in Seattle, WA. This deviation authorizes the draws to not open to mariners during evening maintenance. The temporary draw closure will be from 1800 to 0600 from 7 July 2026 to 8 January 2027. The subject bridges provide 32 feet for 100 feet center span and 22 feet side spans of vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position above high water. No alternate route is available on the Duwamish Waterway. The bridges shall operate in accordance with 33 CFR §117.1041 at all other times.

For more information on this event contact Garrett Hutton at (206) 440-4626 or garrett.hutton@wsdot.wa.gov.

WDFW discontinued sale of waterproof, tear-resistant paper licenses on May 13, 2026, amidst global shortage of petroleum-based paper.

Beginning May 13, 2026, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and its 600 license dealer locations discontinued the use of waterproof, tear-resistant hunting and fishing license paper due to a global shortage of petroleum-based materials. Moving forward, licenses, catch record cards, and other license products will be available on standard 8.5-by-11-inch paper through WDFW offices, license dealers, or home printing, and customers are encouraged to take advantage of the new MyWDFW mobile licensing app for digital access to their licenses.

Learn more about these new mobile licenses and how to obtain them from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife link below.

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

New Canadian SRKW Rules – 1000 Meter Distance Required

Effective June 1, 2026, Canada will implement a 1000-meter distance rule for SRKWs. “Vessels must stay 1,000 meters away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2027.” This new rule replaces the 400-meter rule in these waters that applied to all killer whales, not just SRKW.

The 1000 yd Distance Rule for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) Remains in Effect in Washington Waters

The rules for SRKW (and other marine mammals) remain the same in Washington waters for 2026. As a reminder, the rules are:

Boaters must stay 1,000 yards from Southern Resident killer whales.

Boaters must go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of Southern Resident killer whales and move away perpendicular to their path if safe to do so.

Boaters must disengage engine(s) if Southern Resident killer whales appear within 400 yards.

Boaters must stay 200 yards from Bigg’s/Transient killer whales

Boaters must not park in the path within 400 yards of Bigg’s/Transient killer whales

Boaters should stay 200 yards from baleen whales resting or with a calf.

Boaters should stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals)

The Washington regulations recognize that there are some areas in Washington waters where navigable channels are narrower than 1,000 yards. If you encounter Southern Resident killer whales and you're between ½ mile and 400 yards away, you should motor slowly (under 7 knots) away and out of their path of travel, if it is safe to do so. If you are closer than 400 yards, you must disengage your engine(s) and wait for the whales to pass if it is safe to do so.

The Be Whale Wise site has the complete set of rules for Washington, although as of this writing they have NOT yet updated their information for Canadian waters.

Be Whale Wise Website