PWC ban could be lifted in Gulf Islands National Seashore

swadminApril 21, 2004

PENSACOLA, Fla. – A ban on personal watercraft (PWC) in Gulf Islands National Seashore waters could soon be lifted, according to a story in today’s Pensacola News Journal.

Seashore officials recently completed an environmental assessment to decide if a 2002 ban on PWC in the park should be continued, lifted, or amended with certain stipulations.

“Our preferred option is to allow personal watercraft back in the park with a flat-wake zone 300 yards from the shoreline,” said seashore spokeswoman Nina Kelson.

The News Journal said residents have until May 18 to comment, after which a final decision will be made. If the ban is lifted and a no-wake zone implemented, a new regulation by the National Park Service would be required, which could be done by next year’s boating season, according to the newspaper.