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WAKES: Educate and enforce

| May 23, 2021 1:00 AM

I am against the proposed ordinance to ban all wake boating and towed water sports on the Spokane River. Boating has been one of our area’s biggest attractions here for generations. It would be a huge mistake to take that away.

I am a tech entrepreneur in Coeur d’Alene who grew up on the water, and I now live on the south side of the Spokane River. I can tell you firsthand that wake boats and towing are not the issue.

Proper education and enforcement is the only way to maintain and preserve all the freedom and enjoyment water sports have to offer. From my home, I’ve witnessed boaters abiding by the existing rules. I’ve also seen a significant amount of deputies patrolling the river and educating boaters on the do’s and don’ts of the sport.

The argument that wake boats are unsafe or are causing erosion is frankly not true. As property owners, it is our own responsibility to maintain and protect our shorelines. I have not experienced any property damage or unsafe situations at my home on the Spokane River as a result of wake boats or towing.

The reality is, our community is growing and we have to do everything we can to keep this place special and preserve our way of life. It takes all of us working together. I am counting on our commissioners to help do their part. Please disregard the vocal minority and stand for the majority of citizens by voting against this ordinance.

TYLER ALVARADO

Post Falls