Patrolling the Pond December 12th, The Holiday Edition.

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Patrolling the Pond December 12th, The Holiday Edition.

 

Mike Miller, Member Lake Lotawana Association Board of Directors, Sergeant at Arms

 

We are nearing the winter solstice. December 21st marks the first day of Winter and the shortest day of the year. This means one thing. The days will soon start getting longer!  As you know, the solstice is when the tilt of the earth causes the sun to reach its southern most latitude (about 23’ South) where at 12 noon the sun is directly overhead. This imaginary line is, of course, the Tropic of Capricorn. The area between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer (the furthest northern latitude of 12 noon direct sun) is considered, “The Tropics.”  While the sparkling waters of Lake Lotawana are well north of the tropics, the simple fact that the days start getting longer makes it feel just a little bit warmer and provides evidence that spring cannot be far away.

 

I like warm weather but that’s not to say winter can’t be fun! There are some really cool winter activities around here when the weather gets cold and there’s a bit of snow on the ground. That said, everyone, even the most experienced of Lake Rats need to be especially cautious when attempting to walk on or plan activities on lake ice. Constant shifting, unknown springs, cracks, moving water, and thin ice can lead to tragic circumstances that no one needs. Patrolling the Pond cannot make recommendations about when ice is safe or when it isn’t. Suffice it to say, great care and caution should be taken when considering any activities on lake ice. Everyone wants a safe holiday season. And in the interesting paradox of the White Christmas, if we happen to get a cold spell or some snow it seems to make the Holidays a bit warmer.

 

As we wind down the year and move toward the holidays, here is a preview of some of what will be featured in the New Year in Patrolling the Pond:

 

  • Interviews with members of the Lake Lotawana Association staff.
  • A Day in the Life of Water Patrol.
  • Interviews with the Rules Committee, Water Patrol Committee members, and others.
  • Special research on carbon monoxide risks and boating.
  • Reviews of new rules for 2025.
  • Updates of upcoming dredging activities that effect navigation.
  • Reviews of new lake and water accessories that help increase safety in lake activities.
  • More give aways (with some potential sponsors) for sending your Safer Seven answers to Patrolling the Pond.

 

I hope you have enjoyed reading the new Patrolling the Pond this year. There are lots of great things coming in 2025! Thanks for your support and feedback for future articles and topics. I wish you and yours a safe and Happy Holiday Season. As I mentioned last week, for those who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!  We are reminded of the importance of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love during this busy season. I think everyone can rally around these virtues. They tend to lead to kindness, giving back, and serving others which make our community the special place it is. How might you serve our community in 2025? The more you serve the more you get back. If you celebrate Hanukkah, Happy Hanukkah! If you celebrate something else, Happy Holidays! I hope you all enjoy the company of friends and family during this Holiday Season. You’ll have a little more daylight to do just that starting on the 21st !  Enjoy! From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

 

Safer Seven Quiz. Holiday Edition.

 

As the calendar races toward the end of 2024, here is a fun review of the year at Lake Lotawana while testing your knowledge of some great things to come in 2025. If you happen to send the correct answers to [email protected], you will be entered into a drawing for a special gift of Lake Lotawana Beautification Committee gear, courtesy of Patrolling the Pond. Let it snow!

 

  • The lake was closed to boating traffic all day on July 4th, 2024. It later opened in time for our annual fireworks show. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE. Because of heavy, flooding rains on July 3rd, the lake rose several feet in many cases breaching seawalls. While the spillway did its job, too much runoff in the lake too fast can cause flooding. We all enjoyed the fireworks show later that evening.
  • As a Christmas gift, the Lake Patrol (Water Safety) received four new boats into service in 2024. All were Boston Whalers providing more stability, safety, and a longer working life. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE. While we did get new Water Safety Patrol boats, no one gave them as a Christmas gift AND the Lake Association only purchased two. Both are Boston Whalers. We will still use one of the working and operable Lund boats into 2025.
  • The low water crossing between Gate 3 and 4 was washed out during the July flood. It was repaired earlier this year. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE. Because of the extensive damage and the cost of repairs of the low water crossing, the repair plan has gone through a second design with a target for repairs sometime in the spring of 2025.
  • Plowing is one of the most common violations of the rules on the lake. TRUE or FALSE? This goes back to training and understanding what, “getting your boat onto plane,” means and why it’s important. Runabouts and ski boats are the biggest challenge. Plowing is allowed in the middle of the channel and is defined as, “operating a watercraft at a speed and in a fashion creating a wake while not pulling a skier or another boat.” (Section I, Sub-section 2, Part 7, p. 16, Rules and Regulations). There are several websites that can give you tips on how NOT to plow. Why is it important NOT to plow? Because plowing, a) can do significant damage to docking structures by creating big wakes, 2) limits your line-of-sight distance and can be dangerous, 3) you look like a rookie driving a boat. In most cases warnings are issued but repeat offenders could get up to 3 points assessed.
  • In 2024 the Dredging Committee was established to develop a long-term dredging and silt pond plan around the lake. As part of evaluating the need for dredging around the lake, the Association requisitioned a full bathymetric survey of the lake, and the results are available at https://lakelotawana.net/water-depth-map/ TRUE or FALSE?  Take one look and you will realize why we need a comprehensive dredging and silt pond management plan that considers the next few years and the next 40 years. Development of this plan by the Dredging Committee is a critical step in maintaining and preserving our greatest asset.
  • In 2025 you will have two different stickers for your watercraft, one for the year and one permanent. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE. 2025 marks the beginning of the FOREVER sticker. Yes, you have to register each year. No need for new stickers every year. And you will only need ONE!
  • In 2025 you need to register your kayaks with the Lake Association and need to pay a $25 fee to use them on the lake. TRUE or FALSE. FALSE. There is no need to register kayaks, SUPs, or other lake toys in 2025 AND there are no fees! Keeping your lot and block number on any property is a good idea so it can be reunited with you should it escape in a storm.