The summer season is in full swing.  In addition to the usual tasks the Safety Department conducts daily, we also stay informed on ancillary issues affecting our lake.  One of the issues we monitor is the effect of waves on our shoreline.  In February 2022 the University of Minnesota published the results of their study regarding wake-surf boats.  The study concluded wake-surf boats require greater distances from the shoreline and docks to decrease their wake wave characteristics to levels similar to non-wake-surf boats.  In brief, the number for wave dissipation on wake boats is +425 feet (either side) as compared to 200 feet for non wake boats. Double!

Without doubt, larger wakes that impact the shoreline do greater damage to the shoreline.  We will continue to follow this issue and present all relevant information to the board of directors.

I also wanted to take a moment to remind everyone of the proper way to enter and exit coves.  All the information discussed in this article can be found on page 28 of the 2021 handbook.  Whenever you exit a cove and enter the main channel, you must make a right turn and establish your direction of travel.  You are not permitted to exit a cove and continue straight across the main channel.  The same thing applies to entering coves on the opposite side of the lake.  You must pass the cove you desire to enter before you cross the main channel.  This will allow you to join the flow of traffic prior to entering the cove.  You are not permitted to cross the main channel and directly enter the cove.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the safety department.

The Safety Department is looking forward to a busy and safe summer.  Please help us obtain our goal of promoting voluntary compliance with the handbook.

For those who would like to read the University of Minnesota Study –the link is: https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/226190