5/10/23 – Association News

The beginning of the summer months is upon us. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at the lake. Along with this time of the year comes the necessary review of lake use issues. You are also reminded that the phone number for the water patrol is the same as in years past. 816-564-8250. You are also welcome to call me if for some reason the patrol number is not answered, or your call is not returned within a reasonable amount of time. If it is an emergency always feel free to call me. 913-305-7181.

So, to begin the year, we are off to a bad start regarding safe boating on the lake. How it happened is not relevant. That it did happen should be our focus. First and foremost, the occupants of the boat are safe and unharmed.  To make a long story short, two boaters in their small fishing boat left their dock, with every intention of returning to it safely. While they were in the vicinity of the dam area, they encountered multiple large waves over the Mother’s Day weekend. One of the waves was large enough to throw both of them overboard. The boat continued to travel in circles until it took on too much water and sunk to the bottom of the lake. At the writing of this article several unsuccessful attempts have been made by the operations crew and others to locate or recover the boat. The point of this is ALL OF US NEED TO EXERCISE SAFE BOATING PRACTICES AT ALL TIMES as the lake gets more and more crowded. Be courteous to others and think about the consequences of what you are doing, and how you are doing it, as you boat near smaller vessels.  Operators of smaller vessels must also understand that big boats and their wakes are going to create hazards for them. As I state in every article – BE SAFE!

While we are on the subject matter of safety, the water patrol will be patrolling with the main focus on safety. However, along with safety comes enforcement of our rules. If you do violate a rule or rules as determined by the patrol, the patrol will advise you of that fact and a citation will be sent to you at a later time after it is processed through the office. Remember it is the responsible person who is on file with the office who will be issued the points associated with the citation.

The deadline of May 1st has long passed regarding the requirement for current stickers to be placed on all of your watercraft. The patrol will begin issuing citations for those members who have failed to comply with those rules.

Regarding personal orange buoys placed on the lake by members, please remember that the buoys must be no further than 100 feet from the shoreline. In years past the patrol would take the time to properly place buoys that moved out too far or drafted away from the member’s dock. This year the Association will no longer move buoys. Instead, the buoys will be removed from the lake. If the buoys have the proper lot and block information on them, the Association will attempt to contact the members. If not, the buoy will be disposed of. It is your responsibility to properly mark the buoys and keep them properly placed. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

The water testing in Quantralls cove has been performed every couple of weeks over the past several months. All of the tests have come back with very low readings for e-coli. This is good news, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will also be testing approximately 19 areas around the lake before the Memorial Day Holiday weekend and will report any results that may be unsafe.

The trailer lot cleanup process has begun. Jeff Clemow, President, will be providing you an update on that effort in his article in the paper.

DID YOU KNOW: Each Watercraft shall have a life preserver (vest, ski belt, buoyant cushion, or ring buoy) for each person aboard the Watercraft. Floatation devices shall be in serviceable condition and readily accessible. (3 pts.). Each person on a PWC shall wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD: Type I, II, III or V. (3 pts).

Please call 816.578.4272 if we can help you or answer your question(s). I can also be reached at 913.305.7181 or email me at haroldmitts@lakelotawana.net. Be careful! Harold