Fall 2010

Fortunately we have not had accidents or major issues on the lake to date, but here are some items that you should always consider when out on the water:

Children under the age of 6 must wear a life preserver whenever they are on a watercraft.
Those 14 years of age or older born after Dec 31, 1978 may only operate a PWC legally only if he or she has obtained a Boating Safety Certificate. Those born on Dec 31, 1978 or earlier may operate a PWC without restrictions.
No one under the age of 12 may legally operate a PWC
It is illegal to operate a PWC (1) hour before sunset and 8:00 a.m. along with a no-wake rule (1) hour after sundown to (1) hour before sunrise for all Watercraft
A PWC must be operated at "slow or no wake speed" if crossing within a 150' of another vessel, unless the other vessel is a PWC
You as the property owner are responsible to make sure your guests understand our and the Michigan Boating Rules and Law. The most common occurrence is that guests don't understand that they need to go counter-clockwise around the lake and stay at least 100' from the shoreline at all times.
When operating a paddleboat, you must either wear a life vest or have a flotation device on board for each occupant.
Maximum speed on any Michigan inland lake is 55 mph

Our lake is patrolled by both the DNR and the Hillsdale County Marine Patrol. They can legally drop in on our lake any time, day or night, without association permission with the intent to keep our lake SAFE for all residents.

If you're issued a citation for any violation by either the DNR or marine patrol, it may be recorded as a motor vehicle offense and would go against your driver's license/insurance. This is especially important for underage drinking, which could result in an MIP and seriously affect a young person's life.

Most if not all of the above can be found either in the "Redbook" or "Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities" on the DNR website.

Finally, common sense, but all water watercraft operators should be aware of their surroundings especially watercraft behind them. Anticipate the moves of others especially those pulling skiers and tubers as they are going to fall down or slip off the tubes. Those pulling skiers or tubers also make sure that those people get their hands "in the air" ASAP if they fall and wave off any PWC that are within 150'.

Mitch Wetzler
Security Chair, LSPOA

Upcoming Events

Garage Sale
Saturday, June 23

Boat Parade
Wednesday, July 4

Annual Picnic
Saturday, July 14
(Rain Date July 15)

Couples Golf Outing
August (Date TBD)

Security Archive

Click on the link below for a previous article.

Fall 2011

Spring 2011

Fall 2010

Spring 2010

Fall 2009

Spring 2009

Fall 2008

Spring 2008

Fall 2007

Spring 2007