Plans to ban high speed boats and water skiing on Windermere, England's largest lake, in four years' time will cause a protest this summer from an alliance of enthusiasts and tourist agencies who fear further damage to the rural economy after the foot and mouth crisis.

Although the government has approved a 10mph speed limit after accepting that power boating is "incompatible" with other lake users, protesters have gathered a 25,000-signature petition as the first step in a challenge to the European court of human rights.

Over the summer, a series of protests are planned on the lake - the only one in the Lake District which allows power boating - with hundreds of boats taking to the water with banners to highlight what is claimed to be a threat to hundreds of jobs in boatyards, specialist shops and hotels.

"After the foot and mouth crisis, this will be disastrous," said Richard Freeman, chairman of Windermere Chamber of Trade. "Already we've noticed the effect because power boat owners have high disposable incomes and fewer of them are spending money here."

An independent study published earlier this year showed that power boating, and associated sports such as water and jet skiing, brought £16m into the economy each year.

But the Lake District National Park accuses the power boaters of selfishness and says that enjoyment for the many is being ruined by the requirements of a few. "Power boats need a lot of space and stop the vast majority using the lake," insists Paul Tiplady, the chief national park officer.

Boat enthusiasts echo the views of the former environment secretary John Gummer - who opposed a ban against the recommendations of his own planning inspector at a public inquiry - and argue that the length of Windermere makes it the best site in the country for speed record attempts. The Labour government overturned Mr Gummer's decision last year after pressure from countryside groups.

But the power boaters, who have helped push up property prices, have powerful allies. The Cumbria Tourist Board argues that the ban will prove counter-productive, further undermining a Lakeland economy devastated by the foot and mouth crisis. "People who are thinking about where to moor next are now going elsewhere," said its chief executive, Chris Collier.

Norman Park, manager of a boatyard, said almost 300 jobs were directly threatened, with many more on the line. "The livelihoods of everyone connected with the lake are at risk."