Patrolling the Pond
by Mike Miller, VP Lake Lotawana Homeowners Association
September 15, 2026
At this Point, It’s Academic
While the Gregorian calendar we use to mark each month has been in place since the 16th century, there is little doubt that most of us still live by a calendar that was etched into our memories from the time we were about six years old until at least the age of 18…longer if you elected to go to college (1). While many schools in the area started back in August, September marks a month of endings and new beginnings. The end of summer (not officially, and certainly not by temperature), the end of vacation season, the start of a new grade or new school year, and the start of some of the best of lake season. Of course, after last night, we also experienced a new beginning: Chiefs football! Go Chiefs! As we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall, let’s look at a few highlights and takeaways from this summer on the lake.
From a rules perspective, what did we learn? Overall, the summer was typical in terms of citations and violations. In a future report, I will deliver some of the statistics. Overall, we had a great summer, with the number of serious rule violations slightly lower than last summer. As usual, most of you are very careful and have a great deal of respect for the rules we have in place. You follow them and, as I have said in the past, we are all water safety! As for rule violations, some of the same issues come up year after year. Non-resident and/or underage PWC riders are always an issue. It doesn’t make much sense, as it is by far the greatest risk a resident can take, from both a potential citation, suspension of lake privileges, and a danger to the driver/riders and other boaters. It’s hard to understand why this continues to be an issue.
PWCs are not toys. They are powerful watercraft that, if not operated appropriately or in accordance with local rules, can be dangerous to other boaters. Most residents have zero sympathy for this violation because they know the risk is not worth the return. That said, while these violations rose in June and July, according to Jen Stafford, the incidence in August and September dropped off considerably. What is the best answer as a resident when your guest or underage grandkid asks to drive the PWC? Just say NO!
Speeding in coves and no-wake zones was also an issue this summer. It was definitely an issue over Labor Day weekend. The new NO-WAKE zone at the northwest side of the lake between S & H block created a great new place for people to anchor and swim. Too many boats are coming into that area too fast, creating safety issues. The NO-WAKE ZONE at that location will be in place through all of next summer because of dredging that continues in Waterfall Cove and eventually Big Rock Bay. The expectation in any NO-WAKE ZONE or cove is that watercraft are moving at slow speeds. Also, docks in coves are not typically built for the waves that are experienced on the main channel. Speeding or throwing a wake in a cove not only creates a safety issue but can also cause property damage. No cove on the lake (not even the expanded no-wake zone between S & H block) will add about 5-6 minutes at no-wake speed to get to your dock. Slow down. Enjoy the time on the water. Be respectful of others who are not expecting you to be speeding.
I have been in communication with Jen Stafford, and she said, “Overall, I would say we had a great Summer…the rain and the weeds might have been the cause, but overall it went pretty smoothly.” She advised everyone to review the rules and regulations before next season starts. I also recommend reviewing them with your family so we can continue to enjoy smooth, safe summers on the water. I think it’s a great suggestion.
While the academic year is just beginning, attention to water safety doesn’t end. In fact, as we roll into fall and turn our sights on off-lake activities like LotaSmoke, there is still some great time for on-lake activities. It’s also a good time to review the rules for navigational lighting. As the sun sets on another lake season, fall brings renewal, a new season, and the beginning of the end of summer. I hope to see you on the pond this fall!
- Britannica Editors (2026, May 1). Gregorian calendar. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar
SAFER SEVEN
Today’s Safer Seven focus is on a rule that seems to be a common theme for 2026: SPEEDING IN NO WAKE ZONES. Let’s see how you do on the following. Answer TRUE or FALSE for each question.
- No-Wake Zones include all coves. TRUE or FALSE?
- No-Wake speed is defined as 10mph. TRUE or FALSE?
- 10mph with minimal wake is the speed limit at night on the main body of the lake. TRUE or FALSE?
- You are running late for dinner, and you live in a cove. It’s ok to make a wake back to your dock so you won’t be late. TRUE or FALSE?
- It’s ok to operate at a watercraft at 10mph anywhere on the lake after dark. TRUE or FALSE?
- Tomorrow is the first day of fall. You can now go over No-Wake Speed in coves. TRUE or FALSE?
- No-Wake limits are required 100ft from the shoreline. TRUE or FALSE?
Answers:
- All coves are no wake speed.
- Slow, No-Wake speed is defined as the slowest speed at which at watercraft will move through the water, while being able to maintain course and create minimal wake. (6pts)
- TRUE: Maximum speed limit on the main body of the Lake, between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to sunrise, is 10 mph or less with minimal wake. (6pts)
- FALSE: There are no excuses for going more than No-wake speed in a cove. You will get 6 points for a citation.
- FALSE: You can only operate a watercraft at 10mph or less on the main body. Not on coves.
- FALSE: You must ALWAYS follow No-Wake limits in coves.
- TRUE: No person shall operate a boat within 100ft. of the shoreline in excess of Slow, No-Wake speed, or in a manner that endangers persons, property, or causes excessive wake or wash. (6pts)
Safer Seven recommends everyone review the rules on Speed Limits around the lake. You can find them on page 16-17 in the Lake Lotawana Association Rules and Regulations 2026. You can find these at https://lakelotawana.net/rules-and-regulations/
If you have any comments or questions feel free to email me at vp@lakelotawana.net