Back by Popular Demand: The Return of Patrolling the Pond
Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard numerous times from H block residents and others that they missed the column, Patrolling the Pond, by Ron DesCombes that appeared in Lake Lotawana News for many years. His creative prose of his observations of boating and other on-the-water behaviors provided ample opportunity for gentle and not so gentle reminders of the rules we all value and signed up to follow. While I won’t pretend to know or have experienced the ins and outs of patrolling the lake daily like Ron, my goal for this new version of Patrolling the Pond is to fill what has clearly been a void of valuable and practical reminders of the Lake Lotawana Association Rules and Regulations that keep everyone safe. Let’s get it started!
Independence Day is right around the corner and what better place than the Lake to entertain family and friends. Whether you have lived here for 50 years, spend time on weekends, or are new to the Lake, it’s always a good idea to review the Lake Rules and Regulations. Have your family members review them too! They can be easily downloaded at https://lakelotawana.net/rules-and-regulations/. Here are a few key points to make with your family and any friends or visitors you have coming to the Lake to celebrate the July 4th holiday weekend:
July 4th Holiday Weekend: There are always lots of questions on Holiday specific rules; I had to review them too! The Holiday Rules and Hours can be found in Appendix F of the Rules and Regulations and can be confusing.
Typically, the hours begin at 6 p.m. the night before the official Holiday (July 4, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends). This year with the July 4th holiday on Thursday, the hours begin at 6 p.m. July 3rd through midnight July 4th. One policy in place for many years is for the entire weekend tied to one of these holidays to limit passengers on a tube to 1. This means this rule will apply Wednesday after 6 p.m. through Sunday at Midnight.
The holiday schedule and other specific limitations apply for the entirety of July 4th.
- PWCs are restricted to 2pm – 30 minutes after sunset or if visibility is less than 100 yards (whichever comes first).
- The water patrol may curtail skiing/towing during periods of heavy water traffic.
- Skiing from 6am until 10am on the holiday and 12-2pm on the holiday.
- Wake surfing is not allowed anytime during holiday hours.
- No organized sailing before 8am or after 12pm.
Operating Watercraft: ONLY family members i.e., owner and their spouse to include grandparent(s), parent(s), spouse(s), son and daughter in law(s), child(ren) and grandchild(ren), are allowed to operate powered watercraft on Lake Lotawana. Kayaks or other non-powered craft must be within sight of their owners. This rule has been in place forever. You are responsible for your watercraft and who is operating it. Family doesn’t let friends drive powered watercraft.
Fireworks: – we have another wonderful firework show planned, however, remember discharging fireworks at Lake Lotawana is against the Association rules and City Ordinance. The Association can cite members as well as the Police can issue tickets. Nuff said. Keep dogs happy and kids safe. Watch the professionals do it off the dam.
Respect for Water Patrol: We employ our water patrol to help make the lake a safe place to enjoy with family and friends. Don’t be that guy. Save a 6-point citation, regrets later, and your blood pressure. If you encounter Lake Patrol in any way, be courteous and respectful. They are here to help.
Lot and Block: If you see something, say something. Calling and reporting violations by Lot and Block number helps the Association send courtesy notices about rules if violations are reported but missed by the Patrol who must catch the violation in motion.
Also, if you see a boat without Lot and Block numbers, please describe the boat and send to the office who will attempt to track down the owner and send a courtesy notice. We can have staff check to make sure the boats are properly marked and issue citations if required.
Overall, we want the Water Patrol focused on safety and the Office Staff on administrative activity. The two working together can accomplish a lot if we have details. Our courtesy letter approach has been a huge success in helping members keep up with requirements of living on and using the lake.
In a sense we are ALL Water Patrol. Kudos to Ron for the way he kept the rules of the lake in front of everyone through Patrolling the Pond. Share your ideas and thoughts on future topics at saa@lakelotawana.net. Enjoy your time with family and friends over the Independence Holiday! Be safe and… see you on the Pond.
Mike Miller, H Block Director & Sergeant at Arms, Association Board of Directors