Patrolling the Pond
July 15, 2026
by Mike Miller, VP Lake Lotawana Home Owners Association
From Dynamic to the Doldrums and Back!
“Canceled.” That was the one-word title to an Email that went out to the Lotawana sailors Sunday morning. The short answer? No wind. We have officially hit the doldrums of July when raucous thunderstorms scoot by in the wee hours of the morning with little disregard for the recommended eight hours of sleep, and winds are less reliable than starting your boat after leaving the nav light switch on all night. Before we get too far into this month, it’s important to reflect on the success that was the celebration of our country’s 250th birthday. Though the day started a little wet, it eventually cleared off enough to enjoy a temperate evening dinner (our family’s traditional shrimp boil) and a fine evening for the best fireworks show in Jackson County. Thanks to everyone who helped organize the weekend events. Well done!
NOTE! If you didn’t have the chance to donate to the fireworks fund for 2026, please go to Lakelotawana.net and contribute. There is still time to donate!
That said, there are still some rules that need to be reinforced, and some issues that persist into midsummer that are usually present early in the season.
In conversations with Jen Stafford, Head of Lake Patrol, she stated that common violations for the weekend included 1) too many tubers on tubes (only one allowed on holiday weekends), 2) PWC violations, including going the wrong way and on the water at the wrong times. The Patrol Staff followed the rules announcement and issued no citations for “Holiday Rules” on Friday. Another persisting issue is the use of PWCs by non-owners and underage drivers. Citations in this area continue to dominate the percentage of moving citations issued, accounting for no less than 25% in June. Almost all of those issued in June will likely result in suspension of lake privileges for 14-30 days because they also will receive a total of 9 points. How are non-owner/underage drivers caught? They are breaking another rule e.g., going the wrong way, Cove speeding, etc. The rule violation creates a dangerous situation for every other person on the lake. It’s hard to understand why we see so many of PWC non-owner and underage riders as the rules are so clear. Before you make the decision to let someone underage or a non-owner drive your PWC, think about the possible consequences. There are so many other ways to enjoy the lake when you are a guest. Keep everyone safe and your lake privileges intact. Just say no.
These are the days we all start asking for a breath of air on the water. As the day progressed this past Sunday, the doldrums gave way to a nice northwestern breeze that kept the humidity down and spirits up. With water temps in the 80s, a cool dip makes up for the calm air. On those days when we are fortunate enough to get a nice breeze, drip-drying on the boat deck is refreshing. The fireworks of the 4th are over, but more excitement is just around the corner. Lake Lotawana Day is Saturday, July 25th. Get yourself out of the doldrums with some breakfast at the Missouri Yacht Club, a host of other morning activities, the annual ski show, and finish strong with an evening concert. It’s an event quintessential to Lake Lotawana. It’s like taking a step back in time when community events were the social media of the day where everyone was actually interacting live and in person vs. staring at a screen posting comments and waiting for ‘Likes’. The winds might be calm this time of year, making sailing tough, but the lake activities are as dynamic as any other time. And, if you are really bold, take a step out and volunteer! There is always a need for volunteers for all of our community activities. Getting involved will make your lake experience even better. Go ahead! Try it! Until next time, see you on the Pond!
SAFER SEVEN QUIZ
Hello. Safer Seven is Back! This week, one winner will get a $25 gift certificate to a favorite Lotawana Eatery. This week’s focus: Operating in NO WAKE Zones.
To protect dredging operations, a new no-wake zone will be established on the northwest part of the main lake body from approximately H20 (near the mouth of Union Cove) south across the lake to approximately S31. You will need to be aware and change your turnaround pattern. Also, for those living in Quantrill’s, Big Rock, and Waterfall Cove, it will take patience to keep your speeds at NO WAKE to your docks. Here are a few questions to test your knowledge about NO WAKE ZONES:
- If you make an excessive wake in a cove, you can be assessed 6 points. TRUE or FALSE?
TRUE
- NO WAKE speed is defined as the slowest speed at which a watercraft can move through the water while maintaining course and creating minimal wake. TRUE or FALSE?
TRUE.
- You can get off the plane and slow down when you begin entry into a NO WAKE Zone and follow the rules of NO WAKE Zones. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE.
You must enter the NO WAKE ZONE at NO WAKE speed. Slow down before the NO WAKE zone.
- You can pull tubes through a NO WAKE ZONE. TRUE or FALSE?
FALSE!
Skiing (or anything like it) and tubing are not allowed in Coves. All of our coves are NO WAKE Zones. Section III, Subsection N, #4, c, page 21. It also creates a safety issue with people in the water and tow ropes.
- The maximum speed at night is NO WAKE Speed. TRUE or FALSE?
FALSE. The speed limit at night (between 30 minutes after sunset and sunrise) is 10mph or less with minimal wake.
- You’re late for dinner, and no one is around, so you decide to go down the cove a bit faster tonight. Yeah there’s a wake but what’s the harm? You are doing damage to your neighbors’ dock. TRUE or FALSE?
TRUE! Water Patrol cannot be present at all times. We are all Water Patrol. Making wakes in coves damages property and creates a serious safety issue. Also, someone may take video which can be used to issue a citation. Take a deep breath, make a quick call and let them know you will be late for dinner.
- There will be a new NO WAKE Zone at the NW end of the lake before you enter Quantrill’s, Waterfall, and Big Rock. TRUE or FALSE?
TRUE! This is being placed this week to protect dredging operations. Adjust your speed and turn-around point.
For questions or comments, email Mike at vp@lakelotawana.net. Thanks!