2 Boating Speed Limits Could Expand In Anne Arundel County

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Two changes to boating speed limits were suggested recently in Anne Arundel County. If adopted, the proposals would expand low-speed zones in Lake Shore and Severna Park.

Lake Shore

The Lake Shore request would affect Grays Creek. The waterway currently has a 6 knot speed limit at all times starting at the entrance to the creek. This suggestion would stretch that low-speed zone out to red day marker No. 2 near Sillery Bay and the Magothy River.

That would add 1,100 feet to the current speed-regulated area. The proposed speed limit line would start at Long Cove Point, head over to Little Island and end at Hickory Point.

There's already a full-time 6 knot speed limit between Little Island and Dobbins Island.

"There is major traffic, and it can become quite congested," the requestor said. "Congestion justifies the 6-knot restriction."

The requestor also said jet-skiers often jump the wakes of boats in the area, causing "a serious safety concern."

There aren't any marinas in the suggested expansion, but there are piers that could sustain heavier wakes from boats slowing down and speeding up.

The request would additionally prohibit skiing in this popular watersports area.

Severna Park

The Severna Park proposal would change the rules on Yantz Creek, which currently has a 6 knot speed limit at all times beginning at its entrance. This would bring another 400 feet near the Severn River under the low-speed regulation.

The requestor is concerned with a sand bar that peaks out of the water at low tide. This spot is popular for fishing and hangouts, but some residents worry that high speeds could erode the sandbar and put visitors at risks.

"On weekends and holidays the sandbar has become a crowded point of boat gathering, swimming, alcohol consumption, and general all day partying," the requestor said. "This is creating a dangerous situation with boats traveling at high rates of speed in this vicinity."

There are no marinas in the proposed extension. Nearby peirs could feel the effects of slowing and accelerating boats, however.

What's Next

The public comment period for both suggestions closes Monday at 11:59 p.m. Marylanders can share their thoughts by emailing boatingregspubliccomment.dnr@maryland.gov.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said the Boat Act Advisory Committee will meet in Septemeber to evaluate the requests on this criteria.

Both proposlas could take effect this year, but the potential start dates are not yet finalized.

More information on both suggestions and maps of the affected areas are posted at this link. That website also has information on how to request a speed limit change.

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