Correction, Cool weather, and Common Knowledge.
As July runs into August we expect hot, humid temps, with very little wind. Today is a bit different. 72 and cloudy and a nice cool breeze! I will take it! I’m sure we have not seen the last of hot weather. While many are gearing up for school to start, the summer lake season is still in full swing. That means we still have the opportunity to practice safe boating and test some your common knowledge about a few of our lake rules. This week? Navigation.
BTW if you were expecting the interview with Jack Jobe, it was delayed due to flight delays. We will try again for the next issue. Onward!
First, a CORRECTION. In the last edition of Patrolling the Pond I was covering some of the definition of who is allowed to drive powered watercraft. I mistakenly listed “Siblings” of owners were allowed to operate powered watercraft. This is NOT the case. Siblings of owners are not allowed to drive powered watercraft on Lake Lotawana. Here is who is allowed by rule: Family or Single Family: Any member of the immediate family of the responsible property Owner and their spouse to only include: grandparent(s), parent(s), spouse(s), son and daughter in law(s), child(ren), and grandchild(ren). (SECTION II, #20 p. 5, Lake Lotawana Association Rules and Regulations, 10-23-23). Lesson learned: It’s always a good idea to check the rulebook.
COOLER WEATHER. What? Ok a slight break with some cooler weather perhaps will bring a little less duckweed in the water. I noticed the duckweed in H Block and thought it was a lot. But when you start really looking around the lake it seems to be just about everywhere this year. The backs of coves are the worst. NOTE: DO NOT USE ANY CHEMICALS IN THE LAKE to try to kill any aquatic plants or duckweed (Section III, Part Q, #2, p.24, 15 points). I did a little research and learned that duckweed is an invasive species typically promoted by water runoff, nutrients in the water (this is why I never fertilize grass near the lake) and sunny warm temps. We have certainly had our fair share of runoff this year (think May and 4th of July) and warm weather. A fascinating fact is it can double its size in 6-48 hours under the right conditions. Fortunately the lake is stocked with some healthy predators (grass carp). I am sure they are getting their fill. There are some other interesting facts about duckweed you find in any internet search. While I have seen it much worse in past years (2006 was the worst I can recall) it is clearly duckweed season. Some cooler temps and a dry August may help. Until then, I guess it is Carp Eat Diem Duckweed! (my kids will call that a dad joke). AGAIN DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OF ANY KIND IN THE LAKE to try to kill algae or other aquatic plants.
Back to water safety. We all share the lake. Boaters, skiers, paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, and PWC riders. Knowing the rules of navigation can save you from some rude exchanges with others and, more importantly, prevent an accident. Here is a short, open-book quiz to test your common knowledge of Navigation:
True or False
- All power craft should proceed in a counterclockwise direction.
- If you have a faster powerboat you always have the right of way.
- Sailboats should give the right of way to vessels under tow.
- If your skier is down in the water you have the right-of-way but not assume everyone knows it or sees your skier. Drive defensively.
- Regardless of the right-of-way rules, you should always operate defensively to avoid accidents and always check 360 degrees before making any direction change.
- You can pass another watercraft from behind (astern) and from either side if you stay at least 50 feet from the other watercraft at all times.
- When crossing paths with another watercraft, the watercraft on the right has the right-of-way unless you can speed up and get past them first.
You will find the answers to the true or false below. You can also read more at: Section II, Part H, #1-6, p. 14-15, Lake Lotawana Rules and Regulations.
As mentioned in Jeff Clemow’s column, many of the Water Safety Patrol are heading back to school soon. With less staff it will be essential that we all pay more attention to the rules and regulations for safe operations around the Lake. If you see something say something! The system of reporting violations to the Association Office (using Lot and Block number) and the office sending a reminder of the rules is still working! You are not, “Lake Ratting,” on someone if you do it. In fact, it is the responsible thing to do. And likely also prevents some unnecessary confrontation. As always, we are ALL responsible for safety on the Lake. Until next time…see you on the Pond.
Mike Miller, Sergeant at Arms, Lake Lotawana Homeowners Association
Answers to True and False: 1. True. 2. False. 3. True. 4. True. 5. True. 6. True. 7. False
Answers to FALSE responses:
#2: Slower, less maneuverable watercraft has the right-of-way. See Section III, Part H, #2 for right-of-way hierarchy, p. 14).
#7: The watercraft on the right ALWAYS has right-of-way and other craft must slow, stop, or even reverse direction to steer clear and pass behind the watercraft. (See Section II, Part H, #5, p. 14-15)
Coming Next Issue: Jack Jobe Interview, and how do you safely pick up a dropped rider?
Questions? Comments? Topic ideas? Send an email to [email protected]