This summer’s soaring temperatures have more property owners than ever using the lake. In fact, 2018 has a record number of registered watercraft here at Choctaw Lake: nearly 1500 motorized watercraft, sailboats, canoes, and kayaks have been registered with the office this year!

Please use safe boating practices so that the summer remains fun for everyone out on the lake. Also, remember to inform your family and guests of the rules, too.

• Motor craft operating in the Safety Zone and/or in any coves shall operate at idle speed.
• While outside the Safety Zone, watercraft shall travel in a counter clockwise direction.
• Maximum boat speed is 35 mph during prime operating conditions. When conditions are less than prime, please lower your speed.
• Boats operating from dusk to dawn shall operate at idle speed.
• Boats are required to keep a 200 foot clearance from other boats, except when both boats are operating at idle speed.
• The jumping of boat wakes by jet skis or other personal watercraft while within 200 feet of the watercraft that created the wake is prohibited.

For more information, please read Section 17 of the Rules and Regulations (beginning on page 8). It’s a quick read and well worth the trouble.

There are still plenty of lazy, hot days of summer stretching out before us. Following the boating rules will keep it safe and fun for all of us. Don’t forget! Property owners are responsible for the behavior of their guests! Take a few minutes before handing the keys over to explain the rules to your guests, too.