Better Ground

Keep an eye out for orcas this summer! 🐳

One of the most common questions we get about the requirement for boaters in Washington state to stay 1,000 yards from endangered Southern Resident killer whales is, "How do I know if I'm 1,000 yards away?"

It's a great question, and 1,000 yards is a long way; depending on weather and water conditions, if you can see an orca out on the horizon, you're likely already too close! Fortunately, if you do see an orca, you can give it the thumbs up to gauge that 1,000-yard distance. Hold your hand out at arm's length (as pictured) and use the tip of your thumb as your guide -- if the orca appears bigger than the tip of your thumb, it's time to move away.

WDFW also offers a business-card-size printed rangefinder at events, or you can print your own! The rangefinder, a video on gauging distance on the water, and loads of other materials are available today when you visit our boater resources webpage: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/species-recovery/orca/regulations -toolkit