Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Lake traffic typically increases significantly on each holiday weekend. The North Chain Lake Association urges all boaters to be cautious while having fun on the water with family and friends this weekend. Being observant of other boaters, swimmers, jet skis, and the shoreline will create a safer environment for everyone on our lakes.

The NCLA encourages all members to educate themselves as well as non-members (family, neighbors, friends. etc.) about the rules and responsibilities for operating a boat on our lakes. The DNR publishes a handbook of boating laws and responsibilities on all Michigan lakes. This handbook contains information that is beneficial for all of us to read and review. Click here: http://boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/toc.htm to view the online version of the handbook. Here are a few laws that you may not realize:

- By state law, if you were born after December 31st, 1978, and are over 14 years old, you must obtain a boating safety certificate in order to operate a PWC legally on any lake in Michigan. Click here: http://boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/whomayoperate.htm for more info.

- By state law, all children under six years of age must wear a USCG—approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel. Click here: http://boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/pfds.htm for more info.

- By state law, the owner of any vessel operated upon the water of this state is personally responsible for any damage to life or property resulting from a wake or swell created by the negligent operation or propulsion of the vessel, if the vessel is being operated with his or her consent. This law primarily refers to the no wake zones through the channels that connect our lakes and those no wake zone buoys are there for a reason. However, if water levels are elevated or higher than normal, careless boaters are responsible to any property damage that results from the waves they create. For example, when water levels are high many boats begin to float in their boat lifts. The smallest wave action will cause these boats to move and bang against the boat lifts, which ultimately could damage the boat. So, the next time that water levels are elevated, please be considerate of our north chain property owners and create as little waves as possible. The DNR defines “no wake” as the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and does not create a wake.

Following a few rules and having some common courtesy will make for a better lake experience for everyone. Please contact the NCLA if you have any questions regarding this email or lake safety. The NCLA hopes you enjoy this holiday weekend on the lakes!