Lake Living
May 30, 2022 at 7:31 p.m.
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This will likely land me in trouble with some.
We lived more than a quarter century at a lake - in our case, Chapman Lake. Living next to a broad expanse of water - lake, ocean - is magnificently calming 365 days a year. There is no equal to living on the water. We left only because of physical needs and illnesses of the family required us to be closer to medical services.
During our time of lake living, we participated in the Association and Foundation fully, helping with lake needs and conservation along with a cadre of wonderful people. However, there is something about climbing onto a watercraft of any kind that changes the general characteristics of those on the craft. Generally, most take leave of every kind of personal courtesy and manners when they step off the pier onto the boat. Not all, of course, but in my opinion most (who are likely part-time residents).
Recently, we had occasion to speak with the new third owners of the property we left at the lake. “What do we do about all the boats camping in front of the home and trash they leave on weekends?” they asked. Trying to get their pontoon out onto the water was also a problem for them. “Wait until after Labor Day and you will get the lake back,” was our reply.
It is illegal to anchor in a lake channel:
“IC 14-15-3-26 Anchoring so as to interfere with traffic Sec. 26. A person may not anchor a boat in the traveled part of a river or channel so as to: prevent;1. 2. impede; or 3. interfere with; the safe passage of another boat through the river or channel. As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.”
Those who “camp” all-day on the lake should practice good citizenship:
IC 14-15-2-8 Littering Sec. 8. (a) As used in this section, “litter” means bottles, glass, crockery, cans, scrap metal, junk, paper, garbage, rubbish, plastic, or similar refuse. (b) In the operation or use of watercraft, a person may not throw, dump, place, deposit, or cause or permit to be thrown, dumped, placed, or deposited: 1. any litter, filth, or putrid or unwholesome substance; or 2. the contents of a water closet or toilet, catch basin, or grease trap; in or upon public water or the banks of public water. As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8
Maybe reminding folks this way will help full-time residents. Indiana boating laws, etc., are available at: http://indianalakes.org/PDFs/IN_handbook_entire.pdf
Dan Lee
Warsaw, via email
This will likely land me in trouble with some.
We lived more than a quarter century at a lake - in our case, Chapman Lake. Living next to a broad expanse of water - lake, ocean - is magnificently calming 365 days a year. There is no equal to living on the water. We left only because of physical needs and illnesses of the family required us to be closer to medical services.
During our time of lake living, we participated in the Association and Foundation fully, helping with lake needs and conservation along with a cadre of wonderful people. However, there is something about climbing onto a watercraft of any kind that changes the general characteristics of those on the craft. Generally, most take leave of every kind of personal courtesy and manners when they step off the pier onto the boat. Not all, of course, but in my opinion most (who are likely part-time residents).
Recently, we had occasion to speak with the new third owners of the property we left at the lake. “What do we do about all the boats camping in front of the home and trash they leave on weekends?” they asked. Trying to get their pontoon out onto the water was also a problem for them. “Wait until after Labor Day and you will get the lake back,” was our reply.
It is illegal to anchor in a lake channel:
“IC 14-15-3-26 Anchoring so as to interfere with traffic Sec. 26. A person may not anchor a boat in the traveled part of a river or channel so as to: prevent;1. 2. impede; or 3. interfere with; the safe passage of another boat through the river or channel. As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.”
Those who “camp” all-day on the lake should practice good citizenship:
IC 14-15-2-8 Littering Sec. 8. (a) As used in this section, “litter” means bottles, glass, crockery, cans, scrap metal, junk, paper, garbage, rubbish, plastic, or similar refuse. (b) In the operation or use of watercraft, a person may not throw, dump, place, deposit, or cause or permit to be thrown, dumped, placed, or deposited: 1. any litter, filth, or putrid or unwholesome substance; or 2. the contents of a water closet or toilet, catch basin, or grease trap; in or upon public water or the banks of public water. As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8
Maybe reminding folks this way will help full-time residents. Indiana boating laws, etc., are available at: http://indianalakes.org/PDFs/IN_handbook_entire.pdf
Dan Lee
Warsaw, via email
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