Safe boating practices should be a part of every occurrence on the water. With the 4th of July coming up, please take time to review lake boating rules. Over the next two weeks, key items will be highlighted to assist with safe boating reminders.
- USE OF WATERCRAFT ON CHOCTAW LAKE
Compliance with Water Safety Laws and Rules:
(7) Property owners are responsible for the behavior of all family members and guests while enjoying the use of Choctaw Lake.
Registration of Watercraft:
(4) Boats not properly registered with the CLPOA shall be ordered immediately removed from Choctaw Lake by the Property Manager or Patrol. Persons who refuse to immediately comply with such an order may be fined an amount up to $250 at the discretion of the Property Manager. Non- residents operating watercraft on Choctaw Lake shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for trespassing.
Speed Limits/Direction of Travel:
(1) While in the Safety Zone or in any cove, motor craft shall be operated at speeds that produce “No Wake.” “No Wake means idle speed only. In all other areas, a watercraft shall proceed at a safe speed so that it can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and condition. The patrol shall be responsible for determining whether boats are exceeding safe conditions for the conditions present. Under good visibility conditions and light to moderate boat traffic, the maximum safe speed shall be set at 35 miles per hour. The maximum safe boating speed shall be reduced for poor visibility, i.e. fog rain etc. and very heavy traffic situations. However, from dusk until daylight, watercraft being operated on any part of the Lake shall only be operated at speeds that produce “No Wake”; while in operation during such times, all boats shall carry a distress signal (a light or lantern) capable of being visible a distance equal to the length of the Lake.
(2) While outside of the Safety Zone, watercraft shall travel in a counterclockwise direction (for example, in a northward direction while on the east side of the Lake) (Effective July 16, 1997).
Thank you – please be safe. You owe it to your family, friends, guest, and all others that are out to enjoy life of the lake.