Patrolling the Pond by Mike Miller, VP Lake Lotawana Association.
July 2, 2026
If You Can Keep It…
Ben Franklin, upon leaving the first Continental Congress in 1787, was asked what kind of government had been given to the people. “A republic, if you can keep it.” It was a cautious warning of the responsibility and fragility of a government run by the people and for the people (1). As we celebrate our 250th year since declaring independence from England, it seems we are continually reminded that any country formed by the people and for the people requires virtuous behaviors and attention to civic responsibilities to make it work. While the last 250 years haven’t always been perfect, the call to keep a republic has persisted. Our lake community is a bit of a microcosm of our country as a whole. Like the rest of the Republic, our success as a community depends on our ability to keep it. I see the parallels every day and in almost every way. Where do I start? Rules and Regulations of course!
We have our rules for a reason. They have developed over time as the lake has changed. No longer is this the Lake of the 1940s and 50s where you could do just about anything and no one would care. And it’s also not the Lake of the 70s and 80s, when homes were small, boats were fast, and kids went to school with a key around their neck. This is now a major metropolitan playground and neighborhood, with a mix of full-time and part-time residents with a wide range of interests, boating skills, and common sense. Rules are necessary to keep the peace and safety. I think we could all agree that a great day at the lake could quickly turn ugly if an accident occurred or someone got hurt. Operating watercraft in unsafe ways and breaking the rules and regulations creates that situation every time it happens. And, while we have our Water Patrol keeping an eye on things, they cannot be everywhere all the time. Everyone plays a role in water safety. But can we keep it? I learned a little more about that this past weekend.
Thanks to Jen Stafford for helping arrange a ride-along with the Water Patrol Saturday evening. Thanks also to Skyler and Lucian for putting up with me on board for a bit. The water was fairly calm during my ride-along so I was able to ask some questions. This is Skyler’s 2nd year on patrol. In general, he observes that people are pretty well-behaved and follow the rules on weekends. That’s great to hear! But there are always a few that need reminders. And sometimes citations are needed. When I asked what he gives the most reminders about, he said, “It’s lighting and turning lights on (the right lights) at the right time.” Navigation lights should be on 30 minutes after sunset. I turn mine on AT sunset to be safe. Side note: If you go to lotawananews.com/weather, you can get a cool widget for your phone screen that provides Air Temp, Water Temp, and now Sunrise and Sunset! Thanks, Noel!
There are, of course, other violations that are happening at a high rate this year, and they include:
- Speeding in coves and NO WAKE areas. I have witnessed this myself so many times that it almost has me reaching for my phone to take a video. There is no excuse for speeding down coves. NONE. If you are in a hurry, don’t be.
- Photos by Water Patrol: If you are pulled over and receive a citation or reminder, WP will take a photo of your lot and block number. This is to prevent any confusion of who is receiving a citation when it is issued. Cases and Appeals of Water Patrol citations are through the Water Use Enforcement Board (See page 41-42 Rules and Regulations).
- NOTE: Beginning July 6th, there will be an expanded NO WAKE ZONE to protect dredging operations. It will be placed on the NW end of the Lake beginning next week. Operations will place eight to ten NO WAKE buoys at the mouth of Union Cove across to S Block for dredging operations.
I enjoyed my time with the crew and will return later this month for more insights. They have a good job, but sometimes a tough job. As I observed someone speeding down a cove right in front of them and me, they asked the driver to slow down as he was in a NO WAKE zone. You would have thought they called him a four-letter name of some sort by the look on his face, which is a good reminder to be sure and respect our Water Patrol if they do give you a reminder or citation. They are here for us! And it takes all of us!
Our Lake community IS a microcosm of our greater country. It takes dedicated volunteers, virtuous behaviors by all, and a desire to maintain a community where everyone can safely enjoy our beautiful lake. We can keep it if we all pitch in to do our part. Until next time, enjoy Independence Day celebrations with your family and friends. See you on the Pond!
References: National Parks Service website https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/constitutionalconvention-september17.htm
SAFER SEVEN Quiz.
Safer Seven has a one-question quiz for the week:
Can you put anything in the lake to treat or control weeds around your dock? ANSWER: NO!
NO chemicals or herbicides of ANY KIND should ever be put into the lake. This is a 15-point violation. It is also a significant risk to all aquatic life and should never be attempted. You can use a rake to rake out weeds around your dock. They typically dry out within a day or two on shore. We are working on a plan to control weeds that considers both short and long-term solutions. Stay tuned for more on this topic in future editions of The Lotawana News.