Traditions, Competitions, and Weather Conditions: The Show Goes On!
Rain? Cool Temps? Clouds? It must be fall. Nope. Lake Lotawana Day! But the crowds and community were undeterred and showed up with great anticipation for the Jungle! Everyone delivered. I took in the activities from the Yacht Club this year. Typically the 4:30am wake-up call to make the 5:30am fishing tournament is the norm. This year we broke tradition as my son and usual fishing partner was out of town. Instead I wondered into the bustling Yacht Club at 8:30am to watch the Buddy Bass weigh-in and take in a tasty plate of Chris Cakes. They didn’t disappoint either!
While the weather wasn’t perfect the attitudes and atmosphere were as hot as any other Lotawana Day I have attended. The Lake was buzzing and the line of pontoons was starting to show up to form the view line that is so recognizable on Lotawana Day. And the Water Patrol was in place to protect the skiers. A couple hours later and with the soft rain showers giving way to a steady drizzle, the Ski Club started the annual ritual that’s been happening since 1958. Everyone forgot about the rain. It’s always fun to watch the show and finale of weeks of hard work and practice. I have so much appreciation for how much goes into planning, practice, and the performance. I particularly loved the National Anthem, showing of the Colors on the water, and the tribute to the Martin family. That is what community is all about!
My interview with Jack Jobe had to be pushed back to the next issue because of busy travel and vacation schedules. It is summer! Stay tuned for that interview in the next edition of the Lotawana News. Back to the here and now.
If summer was a NASCAR Race, Lotawana Day would be Turn Three. We are approaching the August doldrums when wind speed slows, temps go up, everyone starts gearing up for school, and Labor Day is just around the corner. That said, there is still time to practice EXCELLENCE in boating and water safety. A few key reminders to take into August:
PWC Rules and Regs: Please take time to review the rules for PWC use on the Lake. First and foremost know who can drive a PWC and who can’t. Basically you need to be an owner, owner’s spouse, owner’s kids, grandkids, or parent (like every other powered watercraft). You must also be 16. And if you are 16 or 17 you MUST have completed the Missouri Water Safety Patrol Safety test.
PWCs and other boats
I have both witnessed and heard of several incidents where PWCs are coming WAY too close to other watercraft including sailboats. You need to operate a PWC at least 50 feet from any other watercraft (p. 14). I have seen PWCs passing way too close to watercraft. Keeping distance is an important safety rule. Also, no jumping wakes with PWCs. When the sailboats are out keep your distance. I have received several reports about dodging in and out of sailboats. On page 18, 2 K and J basically says no weaving in and out of other watercraft other than at no wake speed. And no
nuisance driving of PWCs. LIFE JACKETS: I actually saw someone driving a PWC without a life jacket. That is rule #1 of any PWC driver. PWCs are fun and entertaining. By keeping the rules in place and top of mind we can keep everyone safe. REMINDER: PWCs operate under the rules of any other watercraft and have their own special section on Page 18, Section M in the Lake Lotawana Rules and Regulations which can be found at https://lakelotawana.net/rules-and-regulations/
Dock and Lot Numbers
While it seems a bit late in the season to be talking about this, you will want to make sure all of your dock plates and Lot Numbers are on your docks and watercraft. Also, make sure boat decals and Lot and Block number are in the right place and legible (vs. the color of your boat). There is a very helpful visual of where to place your Lot and Block and Registration Stickers in Appendix A of the Rules and Regulations. Check it out, and double check your numbers.
Towing Boats
Water Patrol has been doing more than its fair share of towing boats. While towing from the main traffic area is necessary for safety, you should have someone you can call if you need a tow. Double checking fuel levels is also a good idea. Whenever the water patrol is towing they can’t be watching the water. We have a friendly community out here and most will tow you if you ask. That reminds me, if you are having issues and are dead in the water, make sure you wave both hands over your head, so it is not confused with a friendly “wave”. It can be difficult to interpret a single hand wave at 100 yards.
Respect Water Patrol
Lake Lotawana Days brings out the BEST in our community. The presence of Water Patrol sometimes doesn’t. Most everyone is friendly to the WP, but this is still an issue that comes up. Know that you are also responsible for your guests. As a reminder, talking back or using abusive or offensive words to anyone on Water Patrol will get you awarded with enough points (12 points, p. 38, Section A, 1d) to put you into the Turn Four stretch and past the finish line for the season. No one wants that to happen! Everyone on Water Patrol deserves respect and the same community experience that is quintessential to Lake Lotawana Days and in our community.
Let’s end on a positive note. Congratulations again to everyone who made Lake Lotawana Day another big success. And THANK YOU! I know everyone appreciates the creativity, talent, and spirit of community that comes with this unique and one of kind event.
Comments? Questions? Or ideas for future issues? Send an email to me at SAA@lakelotawana.net
Need Water Patrol? Water Patrol Phone: 816-564-8250. Jack Jobe, Supervisor
Coming Up Next Time: The interview with Jack Jobe and Scowling at Plowing.
Mike Miller, Member Lake Lotawana Association Board of Directors, Sergeant at Arms