County Council Makes Cove Regulations on Lake Tapps Permanent

Boating restrictions at Fairweather “Party” Cove on Lake Tapps are now permanent, the Pierce County Council decided Tuesday.

Councilmember Dan Roach, who represents the Bonney Lake and Lake Tapps communities, voiced his support of the drifting ban, which he said has proven to work. The council passed the ordinance 6-0.

Boats are not allowed to anchor, drift or tie together in the popular cove, which has historically been a reckless party scene where loud music, excessive drinking, nudity and drug use has been reported.

The decision went against the recommendation of the County Boating Advisory Commission, which determined that restrictions on cove use could lead to excessive lake regulations.

On Monday, and most citizens voted in favor of lifting the drifting ban in the cove and opening it back up to the public. Commenters expressed a desire to be trusted to make good decisions on the lake and lamented the bad decisions that ruined it for responsible boaters.