How to Be a Good Lake Neighbor on Whitewater Lake

kristina908
5 days ago
5 min read

Living on or visiting a lake means sharing the water, shoreline, roads, and community with others. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping Whitewater Lake and Rice Lake safe, peaceful, and enjoyable for everyone.

Whitewater & Rice Lake is home full-time residents, second homeowners, and short-term rentals. Whether you’re new to the area, visiting family for the weekend, or staying at an Airbnb, these lake etiquette tips will help you be a good lake neighbor and protect the lake lifestyle we all value.

Visiting the Whitewater or Rice Lake?

Here’s a few tips for visiting the Whitewater and Rice Lake area:

Be Mindful of Noise on the Lake

There are no official quiet hours on or around Whitewater Lake, but sound carries far across the water. Keeping noise—including music and fireworks—to a minimum after 10:00 PM is a good rule of thumb. Even if you’re on vacation, your neighbor may need to work early the next morning.

Follow the Speed Limit & Local Laws

Lake roads can be busy, especially during summer weekends when vehicles are parked along the road and foot traffic increases. Walking and biking around the lake is very popular.

In Wisconsin:

Pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic
Bicyclists should ride on the right side, traveling with traffic

Following posted speed limits and giving walkers and cyclists plenty of space helps keep everyone safe.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Clean up after your dogs and keep them leased or under control when they are not leashed. Even if your dog is friendly, don’t let it run up to other dogs that you don’t know. Not all pets or people are comfortable with unfamiliar dogs. Respecting this helps maintain a positive lake community.

Know the Boating Laws

Wisconsin law requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born after January 1, 1989 (with limited exceptions). In addition to the State of Wisconsin's Boating Regulations, local ordinances and regulations are also enforced.

The Whitewater Lake Ordinances are as follows:

Slow No Wake Rules

Slow No Wake before 9:00am every day.
Slow No Wake after 7:00 pm (or sunset, whichever is earlier) on Fridays, Saturdays, holidays, and the day before a holiday. On all other days - slow no wake starts at sunset.
Slow No Wake Zones are from the shore to 200 feet, through channels, inside buoys, & within 100 feet from a swimmer. Additional Slow No Wake areas are marked in yellow.

Skiing, Wakeboarding, & Tubing Rules

Boats, PWCs pulling skiers, wakeboarders, tubers, etc. must drive in a counterclockwise direction.
Maximum of two people towed behind a boat.
Maximum of one person towed behind a PWC but only if it is rated for three or more people.
A competent observer is required unless the driver has a wide-angle rearview mirror
When skiing, tubing, or boarding, it is illegal to get within 100 feet of an anchored boat or any PWC.

General Boating Rules

All vessels (i.e., boat, canoe, kayak, & paddleboard) must have a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board plus an accessible throwable if the vessel is larger than 16 feet. All persons on a PWC must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD of proper size & type.
PWCs are not to exceed slow no wake speeds within 200 feet of the shoreline or within 100 feet of any other watercraft.
All non-motorized boats including sailboats, kayaks, canoes, & paddleboards have the right of way.
The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.
Swimming from boats is prohibited unless the boat is anchored, and all swimmers stay within 25 feet of the boat. Do not anchor in a traffic lane.
Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.

Learn more about boat safety

Respecting Boundaries & Property Lines

Know where property lines are and always respect private property. Do not trespass!

Here are a few of the public access points on Whitewater Lake:

Here are a few of the public access points on Rice Lake:

Dr OR Rice Memorial Picnic Area
Rice Lake Nature Trail, Recreation Area, & Boat Launch

Obtain Required Wisconsin Licenses

The State of Wisconsin requires licenses for many recreational activities, including:

Boating
Fishing & hunting
ATV/UTV and snowmobiling
Burning permits
Trapping and off-road motorcycles

Learn more about licenses

Bonfire Etiquette

Bonfires are a lake tradition, but safety comes first. Wisconsin allows fires for cooking or recreation unless emergency burning restrictions are in effect. No permit is required for these fires, but always check daily burning restrictions

The City of Whitewater Fire Department services the lake. It is always a good idea to report any controlled burns. If you do not report the fire and it is reported by another party, you could be responsible for the fire run cost.

Fireworks Etiquette

Fireworks are often heard around the lake on Fourth of July. Many residents plan accordingly to protect pets and young children. A permit to use fireworks is required in both the Town of Whitewater and Town of Richmond. Most fireworks that don’t go boom or leave the ground are okay without a person (i.e., snakes & sparklers). You will want to do your research and know when a permit is required. Complaints of excessive fireworks are called into the Walworth County Sheriff 262-741-4400

Clean Up & Leave the Area Better than You Found it

Heading home after a weekend or vacation on the lake? Take a few extra minutes to clean up the yard, dock, and shoreline before you leave. Secure boats, put away inflatables or anything that could blow, and secure outdoor furniture. A little extra care helps protect your toys and property!

Secure garbage tightly and place it in proper containers. Winds off the lake can pick up quickly and easily send trash into neighboring properties or the water.

Leaving the property better than you found it helps protect the lake environment, prevents wildlife issues, and shows respect for neighbors and future visitors. A clean shoreline keeps Whitewater Lake beautiful and enjoyable for everyone.

New to the Lake?

When you move to a new area, there are tons of unknowns and questions. Our New to the Lake blog post covers the following tips in more detail.

Familiarize Yourself with the Lake Regulations
Identify Your Town
Check out the Greater Whitewater Lake Property Owners Association
Get to know the Whitewater Lake Management District
Plan Your Boat & Pier Maintenance
Identify Your Utility & Service Providers
Get Licensed
Know the Lake Regulations and Zoning Restrictions
Understand the Difference between Septic, Public Sewer, & Holding Tank
Join the Whitewater Lake Facebook Page
Check out Lake Home Info
Visit the Post Office

Protecting the Lake Lifestyle We Share

Living on or visiting Whitewater Lake is a shared experience, and being a good lake neighbor helps protect what makes this area special. By being mindful of noise, following boating and safety regulations, respecting property boundaries, and practicing good lake etiquette, we help preserve what makes this lake community special. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, small acts of courtesy go a long way in maintaining a safe, peaceful, and welcoming lake environment for everyone.