Patrolling the Pond
Mike Miller, Member, Lake Lotawana Homeowners Board of Directors, Sergeant at Arms.
“Seasons are changing…Lake Activities abound!”
Who said summer was over? This week the heat is on again! I made a bold prediction during the cool weather we had in July that October would be a warm one. It seems that it will at least start that way. Don’t let that fool you though. Cooler weather will come. And don’t get complacent about scheduling that winterizing. I need to get mine on the calendar too!
As I mentioned in the last article, less activity on the lake means the direction of this column will turn toward the action that goes on behind the scenes to make Lake Lotawana work. Probably the greatest eye-opening experience I’ve had since getting appointed to be on the HOA is just exactly what it takes to make our lake a safe and fun place to live and play. An overused analogy for everything that happens to make it all come together would be, “like a duck on a pond.” For the most part, it all operates very smoothly. And most people, especially guests, never see everything happens just underneath the surface. It has certainly given me a better appreciation for every minute I’m on the water. We are now in budget planning season. Thankfully, some very talented people offer their time to put together a budget that rivals many small businesses. And you get to review it in about a month. The careful process that goes into fine-tuning the budget, track every dollar spent, and make every penny matter is both considerable and responsible. Of course everyone expects this level of accountability, and the staff and volunteers deliver. More than anything, Lake Lotawana doesn’t function without the volunteer army that is part of every committee, social event, and other activities we all have come to enjoy. If you are part of that volunteer team, thank you! If not, there is always room for you! It’s also a great opportunity to meet other people. One of those events is just around the corner!
Coming on the heels of the publication of this article is LotaSmoke. This event and fundraiser for the Lotawana Parks and Recreation is going to be another winner this year. I had time to catch up with Kyle Twenter, Vice President of the Board, and one of the organizers of LotaSmoke about the event. Kyle shared a few more details about LotaSmoke and said, “After so many wonderful activities on the water all summer long, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors and an autumn night of bonfires and barbeques!” It should be a fabulous fall weekend that’s all about, in Kyle’s words, “Fellowship, Family, and Food,” all under the stars on the beautiful Safford Airfield. This year there will be 22 vendors and four corporate sponsors. Wow! Set-up starts on Thursday, October 10th, bands on October 11th, and the competition on October 12th with music in the afternoon. The committee has done a great job to bring take a relatively new event to the next level this year. Kyle went on to add, “You can practically smell it already can’t you!” I think I can Kyle. I think I can! Find out more details about LotaSmoke in the full-page advertisement in this issue of the Lotawana News.
The warm weather we’ve had means extended lake time with boats, tubing, and other water sports. With the water still warm and temps holding in the mid-70s or 80s, we all can enjoy the lake just a little bit longer this season. But it is October and the busy summer months are behind us. That said, it’s more important now to follow all of the rules that keep our water activities safe. The Water Patrol will be around but certainly less than in July. You may think you’re the only one on the lake at times but traffic, both slow moving kayaks, fishing boats, and other watercraft, can catch you off guard. Water safety is everyone’s job. We are all Water Patrol.
Enjoy the waning days of the season and join in some of the fun at LotaSmoke. I hope to see you there. I will be working at the Lotawana Association tent. Come by and meet me, see all that has happened over the past year, and what’s in store for 2025. Until then, see you on the Pond!
Patrolling the Pond Safer Seven Quiz
With the days getting shorter and warm weather still favorable for boating, here are a few questions to test your knowledge of lighting regulations. You can find most of the answers in Section G, p.13 of the Lake Lotawana Rules and Regulations. See what you think you know first. BTW this month I am giving away one set of four Lake Lotawana coozies to one lucky person that responds with correct answers to [email protected].
- Sailboats must have both red (port) and green (starboard) lights on 30 minutes after sunset. True or False?
- If you see a lighted sail on a sailboat you should report it to the Lake Patrol for breaking the rules of lighting on sailboats. True or False?
- You are fishing within 100 feet of shore and anchored after dark. No need to use navigation lights unless you see a boat coming toward you. Then you can turn on your lights so to avoid a collision. True or False?
- Use of underwater lights is prohibited. True or False?
- You’re going for an evening cruise on your pontoon. After dark you decide that it’s better if you turn your docking lights so others can see you coming. You don’t see any other boats but want to be seen. You can be cited for 3 points for using your docking lights too far from shore. True or False?
- It’s 5:00pm and starting to get foggy and visibility is about 100 yards. It’s time to turn on your navigation lights. True or False?
- It’s just after sunset and you’re moving at no-wake speed, nav lights on, and see a boat stalled in front of you. You can turn your docking lights on to see if they need help or see the boat better. True or False?
Don’t forget to send your answers to me at [email protected] and be included in the drawing for four fab coozies that will make your choice of lake beverage cooler than your neighbor’s new SUP! Ok, maybe not that cool but definitely cooler than they were before the coozie!
ANSWERS
- Sailboats are not required to have port and starboard lighting. (Section G, Part 2, p. 13.)
- Sailboats shall only be required to illuminate the sail with a white light. (Section G, Part 3, p. 13).
- Docking lights are only to be used within 100 feet of shore when approaching a dock or when approaching a stationary boat. (Section G, Part 4, p. 13).
- When visibility is limited to <100 yards it’s time to turn on the nav lights.
- When approaching a stationary boat it is ok to turn on your docking lights. (Section G, Part 4, p. 13).
It’s never too late or too early in the season to be thinking about safety!