Patrolling the Pond, June 19, 2024
By Mike Miller, Board Member, Vice President, Lake Lotawana Association
An Interview with our New Water Safety Manager and Timely Topics
What better time to land an interview with the new Water Safety Manager than just before the warmest weather stretch of the season and the Independence Day Holiday? I had the opportunity to connect with Jen Stafford, a generational Lotawana resident, who has stepped up to manage the Water Safety Team this season. It was like talking to a long-time friend of the lake. Jen has such great history on the lake. Her careful balance between respect for the rules, Water Safety, and the safety of the residents were palpable throughout our conversation. She cares. She clearly understands how to pass that long to her new team (I plan on a feature on the 2025 Water Safety Team in an upcoming issue). Here are some highlights from our interview:
Mike: As a long-time resident of the Lake but new to Water Safety, what has been the biggest surprise?
Jen: I realized that most people don’t intentionally break the rules of the lake…they just don’t know the rules. Our lake is different. The rules are in place for a reason. Without them it can be chaos.
Mike: Are you as busy as you expected to be as the Manager of Water Safety?
Jen: I was once a Store Manager and didn’t get called to often. Now I get about two calls every night.
Mike: What are the majority of calls about?
Jen: Well they can range from anything like seeing someone not yield the right-of-way to needing to get a tow because of a dead battery or other reason.
Mike: What are some of the most common violations you are seeing this early in the season?
Jen: Well, you’re right. Until recently the weather really has been great for boating. Most of the issues we see are docking lights on in the middle of the lake (use them only when you are docking) and plowing. We also have had a few issues with the bass fisherman going way to fast on the lake.
Mike: I think we need a video course on how NOT to plow your boat. I see you now have two people on each of the Water Safety Boats. Why?
Jen: We think it’s a better idea to have a spotter/rider on each boat in addition to the driver. It provides a higher level of safety. Also, we typically have two boats active so if one needs to attend to an issue there is another boat on the lake. It’s really about better coverage.
Mike: I think it’s a great idea. Tell me a bit about your crew.
Jen: They are all great kids who deserve our respect. Some are interning for college and others just saw the opportunity to spend time on the water and make some extra cash this summer. Of course the new rules are that you have to be 21 to drive the boat which, by having a spotter/rider on board, gives some opportunity to build a bench for next year.
Mike: What are some other requests you would have of the residents on the water?
Jen: If you see us around the ski club practice or sailboats, make sure to keep your distance. Respect the space. Be responsible and nice if you encounter our Water Safety Team. The rules are in place for safety. We don’t make the rules, we help make sure everyone has a safe experience by ensuring that everyone follows the rules.
Mike: What are some other thoughts you would like to share with the residents?
Jen: If you ever would like to volunteer to ride along with the Water Safety Team or even provide some coverage when we aren’t on the lake, let me know. You can get my contact information through the Association Office. We can make arrangements to pick you up at your dock. Also, know that we just cannot be everywhere on the lake all of the time. There is a process to follow if you see something and want to report an issue or a rules violation.
Mike: Yes. I like that idea. Water Safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s important to make sure that if someone sees something they want to report to the office that they provide the correct Lot and Block number and a description of the activity. Courtesy notices of rules violations help the learning process. What else?
Jen: I have a great group on Water Safety this year. I’m looking forward to a safe summer on the water.
Mike: Thanks for your comments Jen. I know I can speak for everyone on the Board and the residents when I say thank to you and your team for your service.
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I really enjoyed my conversation with Jen. She has some great ideas on how to make our Water Safety Team the best it can be to ensure that we all can enjoy our time on the water this summer. I look forward to getting to know her team a bit more as the sunny days of June turn toward the steamy days of July. Jen is a genuine and authentic leader who has a great appreciation for all that our beautiful lake can be to everyone if we all do our part. You don’t have to be a long-time resident to have that kind of appreciation for what we have…but it doesn’t hurt.
On another note, I had a small correction from the last Patrolling the Pond. In the discussion around PWC use, I stated that non-residents cannot ‘ride’ PWCs on the lake. That is not correct. They CAN ride but an owner or family member must be present, i.e., on the PWC with them. Also, I should remind everyone that owners are responsible for the operation of their watercraft and ensuring that any operator, resident or non-resident, is aware of all of the rules and regulations of watercraft operation. (Lake Lotawana Association Rules and Regulations, Section III, E, 1, p. 17).
Finally, there are a couple of HOT issues that need a reminder when it comes to rules and frankly, just common courtesy as well (which, as Will Roger said may be like common sense…not so common). First a reminder on the rules regarding Wake Surfing:
- Wake surfing is allowed Monday through Friday. It is not allowed on weekends or holidays.
- Wake surfing should maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from swim buoys.
You can find more details on the rules and regulations for wake surfing on page 21 and 22 of the Rules and Regulations. Check out the link: https://lakelotawana.net/ Look under Governing Documents, Rules and Regulations.
Finally, summer can be a great time for enjoying time on the water with family and friends. Most of us love to have some music along for the ride. But we don’t always like to hear other people’s music from across the cove or lake. Be courteous and have respect for the fact that sound travels across the water with great efficiency. I can even sometimes hear the voices of my neighbors across the cove! Enjoy your music but know that others may not like your play list. And, if the lyrics you like are offensive, you could find yourself with some points especially if you don’t take the direction of Water Safety. Put in your earbuds instead. So why is loud music a water safety issue? Back to common courtesy and it IS a rule. If your music is loud and Water Safety has to ask you to turn it down and you don’t? You will get points (6). If it is offensive and loud you will also be acting the fool and could get more points (6). Also, quiet hours apply after 12 midnight. (See Sec III, I, Part 2, 4, p. 15, re: loud noise, music, yelling, and screaming). We all want to enjoy the lake. We all like music. Be thoughtful of others. We can all enjoy our music on the water if we all use a little bit of common courtesy.
The Safer Seven Quiz is taking a break this week and will be back time to test your knowledge of some of the common rules that everyone operating a watercraft should have memorized. Let’s see how you do! Until then, See you on the Pond!