Floods, Family, Friends, and Freedom
LAKE CLOSED! Not what anyone wanted to hear on Independence Day weekend! Who would have thought closing the lake on the July 4th would ever be a thing? Not me! Or our seven out of town guests who were here for some sun and fun on the water. I know closing the lake wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the only one to make with the high water creating a variety of potentially hazardous situations. And as disappointing as it was to have to close the lake, with the high water also came high levels of community spirit, neighbors helping neighbors, and family and friends helping too! I saw lake raking, rehoming lost lake toys, and carrying large bags of flood debris to the road. My nephews’ wives even jumped into the action by helping free a stranded boater from the dam! Kindness and community spirit are contagious and never disappoint. It’s always great to see how our community comes together in challenging situations. I hope we can all carry the kindness forward through the rest of the summer and beyond!
When I first saw the lake levels on Thursday morning I immediately started thinking of alternative plans for the family that came in from out of town. Amazingly our staff and spillway did what they needed to do and by Thursday evening we were all enjoying another great evening of fireworks on the Lake! Kudos to everyone who made it happen! I especially want to give a shout out to the Water Safety crew. With more than 50% of the staff being new and trained in the last two weeks, they really stepped up and effectively managed one of the busiest nights and weekends on the lake keeping everyone safe and secure. Of course we all play a role in water safety and our community.
With the lake being officially closed to traffic most of the day on July 4th, the special holiday rules were essentially a non-issue. The exception to this was the ONE PERSON behind a boat while tubing or water skiing. The one-person behind a boat rule is ALWAYS for the entirety of any holiday weekend (not just the holiday). This restriction can be lifted by the Water Safety Patrol if they determine conditions warrant. Like any weekend there were some teachable moments pertaining to the Lake Lotawana Association Rules and Regulations (lakelotawana.net/rules-and-regulations). Here are a few highlights and reminders:
No wake/Idle speed.
In no wake zones maintaining “no wake” is imperative to protect anyone in the water and prevent dock damage in narrow coves. No wake/idle speed is just that. You should maintain a slow idle speed that does not create waves behind your watercraft…and yes that means PWCs. And to be clear the “NO WAKE” buoys are not there to mark WHERE you slow down to no wake speed. No wake and idle speed should occur before you enter the NO WAKE zone. (Section 3.K.3 p. 16-17).
See Something? Say Something.
There were several reports to Water Safety about rules violations. Here are a few tips if you see something that you believe is a violation of the rules. First, KNOW THE RULE. Our rules change each year and making sure you know the rule before reporting it to Water Safety or confronting someone is important. One example this weekend was confusion around how many riders can ride on a PWC. Do you know the answer? (see answer below). Second, it’s perfectly fine to approach the other craft and ask if they are aware of the rule. This does not mean shouting across the lake, “Hey you %!&$#! you’re going to get 6 points for what you’re doing.” Instead you could kindly ask if they were aware of the rule saying something like this, “I know our rules often change. Did you know that you can only have 2 tubers on a tube at one time verses 3?” This is more likely to be met with, “Oh, I didn’t know that. Thanks,” versus a sideways confrontation. Third, write down the lot and block number of the potential violator and send a note to the Lake Lotawana Association Office. The office is the administrator of rules and regulations and will follow-up with a letter to the violator as a reminder of the specific rule violation. These gentle “reminder” letters have proven to be quite effective.
Our Water Safety patrol cannot be everywhere on the lake at all times. If you see a member of Water Safety and want to report something they will likely not be able to cite anyone if they did not see the violation. You can give them the lot and block number. We all play a role in water safety.
Respect for Water Safety Patrol Officers (Section V:A:1d p. 38)
While most of the residents in our community are kind and respectful people, there is something about being pulled over by the Water Safety Patrol that triggers a defensive mechanism. Suffice it to say if you are being pulled over by Water Safety they are doing it to reinforce a rule that is in the Rules and Regulations. Most of the time they will remind you of the rule and that’s it. One sure citation is to (1d) threaten, use abusive language, or physically harm a member of Water Safety (12 points and suspension of lake privileges). Please also remind your guests of these rules.
I wish I didn’t have to write about this topic but unfortunately it’s an issue every weekend. Our Water Safety Patrol is something YOU pay for and own. Several are also members of our community trying to serve and help keep our lake safe. Let’s keep the kindness of our community in mind if or when you ever encounter our Water Safety Patrol.
It’s a blessing to be a member of a community that shows up when it matters most. Celebrating freedom with family and friends is always a highlight of summer at our beautiful lake. This was a memorable 4th of July at Lake Lotawana because of the people and our community and everyone who worked so hard to make it all happen despite many obstacles. The July 4th Flood of Kindness and Community…That’s how I will remember the weekend! I hope you will too. LAKE OPEN!
Answer to PWC riders: Section III, M 2e: No PWC can carry more than the manufacturer’s specified limit of riders (1,2, or 3) with no more than 3 riders on ANY PWC.
by Mike Miller, Lake Lotawana Association, Sergeant at Arms
Comments, Questions, or Recommendation for Future Topics? Email Mike at [email protected]
COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE: An interview with Jack Jobe, New Water Safety Patrol Manager