Vessel speeds are regulated in specific geographic areas for a variety of reasons.

Florida law states that it is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless or dangerous manner. But many of us who live on canals have been compelled to yell out to captains as they speed by to "slow down" to a speed where their craft's wake is not likely to cause damage to boats and docks.

The reply from the passengers and or captain is typically foul language and sometimes a hand gesture. Boaters are constantly pushing the RPMs to try to save a minute or two to get to the river or gulf. I have heard that large "go fast boats" in the north end of the spreader canal go up on plane. Since this area is sparsely populated, they think they can get away with it. People in that neighborhood say that they have never seen a patrol boat that far up in the spreader canal.

The city states the following with regard to idle speed zones:

• It is unlawful and prohibited for any person to operate a motorized vessel at a speed greater than idle speed in any idle speed zone.

• Any area that has been duly designated a manatee sanctuary area or posted as an idle speed zone.

• Any canal.

• Within 500 feet of any boat ramp or any other area designated and posted by the city as an "idle speed zone."

Boats operating in a speed zone posted as "idle speed no wake" must operate at the minimum speed that will maintain steerageway. Your bow must be settled in the water just like it is when you are stopped. This is generally at rpms of 1,000 or less. However, you must have sufficient rpms or speed to be able to maneuver your boat. High winds, crosswinds, tidal current or cross current can override slow speed and you may have to increase speed to maintain a course. Boats tied up to a dock suffer from waves that surge from passing vessels. There is also damage to docks and seawalls.

All 107 miles of saltwater canals are designated idle speed. Some of the biggest violators are personal watercraft, generally with teenagers on them.

When the speed zone posted is "slow minimum wake," the boat must operate fully off plane and completely settled in the water. The vessel's wake must not be excessive or create a hazard to other vessels. There is a slow minimum wake in the gulf where the maximum speed year round is 25 mph. These limits are there to protect the fish and wildlife that call these waters home. Obey these zones or get a ticket.

There are plenty of patrol boats on the Caloosahatchee and the gulf to intercept speeders and issue tickets.

Every captain to be aware that they are responsible for their wake and can be held financially responsible for damage to other boats, docks, seawalls, etc. in a court of law. Remember, this is your city. You bought your property because of the canals.

Let's slow down. The penalties for violating the regulations set forth by the city council are punishable by fine or imprisonment.

To learn more about safe boating take a Boat Smart course offered by the Cape Coral Power Squadron. The squadron is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Saturday at 917 S.E. 47th Terrace. For more details, call 549-9754.

— Wayne and Joan Church are Cape Coral Power Squadron members.