Observations from My Deck, July 4 Weekend

Lake Safety Committee
By: Bruce C. Bower

I was shocked at the unbelievable number of dangerous violations that I saw in only a couple of hours per day.

The jet-ski people who tow tubes and skiers are frightening and appear to try and be the water versions of Evil Knievel: towing without an observer, two on a tube with no observer, NOT using a three-seater for ANY towing, towing a skier with no observer. Is there any combination that is possible that I missed describing? I’ll probably have to report that new stunt in the next report. I would remind you that there is a 50 MPH limit on this lake. There are a couple of new, black extremely fast jet-skis that ride together taking risky chances and drive way over the speed limit, we will be watching them. Many jet boys follow too close to other water craft in order to jump the wake and still do those ignorant donuts and figure eights. I’m pleading with the boating community to talk to your teens and reflect yourselves on the consequences. This insane behavior is not limited to teens, I’ve seen all ages of drivers (almost exclusively males) perform unbelievably stupid things. We will be trying this fall to do some “out of the box” thinking about jet-skis, this madness has to stop.

There are a lot more kayaks and stand-up float boards on the lake, but it brings up a couple of new issues. You must either wear a PFD while boarding OR have a PFD securely attached to your board (this is a Federal law and we will enforce it). If you use a hand powered craft after sunset, you must have a white light that is visible 360 degrees. I now see people with kayaks going in all directions. Remember that you must be within the NO-WAKE zone (within 75 feet of shore) to proceed in any direction but counter clockwise. Kayaks are difficult to see by other boaters, stay within the no wake zones for your own safety.

Another tube towing issue, you can only tow ONE tube, you may tow two skiers, but ONE tube. Have you seen a tube towed at high speed after the person falls off, it usually goes airborne? What would it be like for the people on the other tube to get hit with a wet 50 pound flying missile on the end of a rope? THINK people, THINK!!!!!!!

A frequent complaint I hear is that Jet-skis and boaters are following too close to tubes, do they not think it’s possible for someone to fall off, or the rope may break, or the tube may explode? Here’s another topic, the home address posted visibly on your dock. In talking to the boat patrol, it was stated that greater than 80% of homes still do NOT have their address numbers up yet, it’s a village ordinance, where are signs? How in the world is someone to report a need for help, if they have no idea where they are on the lake! Think about it, $10.00 and ten minutes of your time may save a life someday. I’m all for a short notice from the Village followed by a fine in your mail box, I’m sure we could come up with some reasonable way to spend the money on a safety cause.

Most of this article is basically the same as the last 2013 July article, this is a sad thing to have to say about our Community, so are we making any progress and what can we do about it? Lastly I want to thank Dave Arnold from the Chicago Style Sub Shop, in Orwell. The generous help he gave us for the wonderful lunch, funded by the Association at the Boating Safety Class is highly appreciated. Patronize Dave’s shop, you won’t be disappointed, his food is fabulous! I apologize for jumping all over the place, but I’m venting as quickly as I can. As always, call me with your thoughts or if you want to holler back on 563.4108. Bower out.