Archive 2008
Dear Residents, August 28, 2008
Can you believe it school is now in session and summer is coming to a close but there is still more boating to be done this fall. The water is still warm but the days are a little cooler, a great time for fishing or just cruising around the lake. This brings up the first item I wanted to discuss. There have been a lot of complaints lately about people not observing the slow-no-wake zone. In other words they are going to fast. Look behind you, if you are observing the no wake zone the water should be fairly flat. If there is a distinguishable wave coming from your watercraft this is called a wake and should not be there. The idea is; go slow!!! And remember stay 30 feet away from the docks if at all possible.
In the past couple of weeks I've spot checked some companies fertilizing lawns. And have found both companies to be using product with phosphorous in it.According to the covenants we should be using fertilizers with no phosphorous. If you look on the bag there is a number the looks like this 25-0-0. The middle number should read zero. Please check with your applicator and make sure they are using nitrogen to fertilize your lawns. You can read more about this on our web site: http://www.newportlanding.net/Covenants.PDFSee Article VI: Lawn Maintenance and Management Practices.Page 8 on Exhibit A
There have also been some trailers and RV's left out; remember they should be stored inside. I really thank those who have responded to my emails on this. Empty lots are not there for storage if your contractor has left debris behind please contact them and have them finish their job by cleaning up after them selves. Don't use you neighbors' lot to dispose of your yard waste or as a storage yard for dock parts inner tubes and the like. We need to all do our part to keep our neighborhood looking nice.
All your boats should have a Newport Landing sticker on them, if they do not, give me a call and let's get them registered. I don't require non motorized boats to have a sicker but you can obtain one if you wish, if not at least put your lot number on the boat so I know where it belongs if it gets blown out to sea.Also it's a good idea to label every thing with your lot number. Every year I find many items such as balls, seat cushions, floaty devices, grill covers, toys, life jackets and the like. I can't return them unless I know where they belong.
I have not heard of any accidents this year which is great. Please continue to be diligent about all safety rules and continue with good boating etiquette.Just a reminder the state has indicated that they would be out sometime so make sure to obtain all the proper licenses for fishing and boating.
Have a great Labor Day weekend and a relaxing fall, please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about the above items.It's a pleasure serving you all.
Sincerely, Rich Melkus
Aug 5, 2008
Dear Residents,
As Labor day approaches and summer winds down I thought I'd take some time to talk about jet skis and safety. I think many residents on the lake have or use jet skis. It is usually what I hear most, “This jet ski did this. That jet ski did that.”
While the thrill of a jet skiing comes from speeding across the water, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it responsibly. Jet skiers have responsibilities to other water users – as a well as themselves – to ride in a safe and sensible manner. It’s important to know how to stay safe and how to behave with respect to other users when sharing the water.
The following realbuzz.com guide therefore aims to give you a few safety tips as well as the low-down on jet skiing rules and etiquette – which will ensure you operate your jet ski in the correct manner and stay safe while you enjoy yourself!. (I'm not picking on you jet skiers but the jet ski is usually the craft that incurs the most accidents and gets the most complaints.)
Right of way
Boats and other vessels always have the right of way – so when you’re approaching an oncoming craft, stay to the right. Also, if you are about to cross paths with another boat or jet ski, the craft on the right side has the right of way. (Our lake has a traffic pattern so please know it and follow it especially when there others on the lake.)
Awareness
You should always be on the lookout for traffic on the water. It’s best to know where other boats are and where they’re heading before you make a turn or cross a wake. Sadly, collisions are the most common type of accident when jet skiing – so take particular attention to what other craft are around you and where they are going.
Wave or wake jumping
If your course takes you across the wake of another craft, make sure that the craft does not obstruct both your own visibility and your visibility to others. Larger boats may not see you, and may not be able to get out of your way in time to avoid a collision. Stay a safe distance from other craft, 100 feet or more. Never follow a boat towing closer than 300 feet.
Operating speed
Speed limits are usually set by local regulations or by-laws, so follow the limits, (50mph) whether they are posted or not. It is your responsibility to know the local speed limit, and failure to keep to it could end up with you facing a fine – or worse still, being involved in an accident. In congested areas it might be wise to lower your speed accordingly, just as you would if you were driving a car. (Always observe the no wake buoys. I think some think this doesn't apply to them but it does. Please slow down in the coves!)
Wear the proper safety equipment
Wear an approved life jacket and eye protection to prevent water spray from obscuring your vision. Tennis shoes or deck shoes and gloves offer better control of your machine, while a wet suit provides protection from the elements. A whistle attached to your life jacket can be used to summon help in the event of an emergency situation.
Safety lanyard
Never operate your jet ski without the safety lanyard attached to you, as the lanyard will immediately cut the jet ski's engine if you fall from the craft. This safety feature can help to prevent bad accidents – so always use it!
Noise
Be conscious of the noise your craft makes. The best way to avoid noise complaints is to avoid operating at high speed near to the shoreline, waterfront properties and other boaters. You should also reduce noise early in the morning. In addition, always start the jet ski engine in the water, and warm up the engine before you set off.
Environment
It shouldn’t need saying, but don’t spill fuel, oil or leave litter or other pollutants where they don’t belong. Also, don’t operate your jet ski close to wildlife or aquatic vegetation. This will minimize the impact your craft has on nature, as well as spare the craft’s machinery from unnecessary damage.
Other water enthusiasts
Jet skiers must share the waterways with boats, fisherman, swimmers, surfers, and water skiers. You should keep your distance and respect their rights to safety, access and use of the water.
More on Jet skis...
Lets face it, jet skis are frowned upon amongst cottage owners and many boaters out there. Primarily due to the ignorance and lack of respect riders show there fellow water sport enthusiasts. By following these simple basic guidelines "for starters" we can all enjoy the stress free waters.
Whether solo or with a passenger, jet skis are a great form of summer fun on the water. It's important to operate jet skis safely and to always be considerate of others on or near the water. (Emphasize these guidelines to your guests as well. Remember if you allow guests yo use you jet skis you are still responsible. I think many of the complaints are about guest who do not know the lake rules and basic safety guidelines.)
.
Can you believe it school is now in session and summer is coming to a close but there is still more boating to be done this fall. The water is still warm but the days are a little cooler, a great time for fishing or just cruising around the lake. This brings up the first item I wanted to discuss. There have been a lot of complaints lately about people not observing the slow-no-wake zone. In other words they are going to fast. Look behind you, if you are observing the no wake zone the water should be fairly flat. If there is a distinguishable wave coming from your watercraft this is called a wake and should not be there. The idea is; go slow!!! And remember stay 30 feet away from the docks if at all possible.
In the past couple of weeks I've spot checked some companies fertilizing lawns. And have found both companies to be using product with phosphorous in it.According to the covenants we should be using fertilizers with no phosphorous. If you look on the bag there is a number the looks like this 25-0-0. The middle number should read zero. Please check with your applicator and make sure they are using nitrogen to fertilize your lawns. You can read more about this on our web site: http://www.newportlanding.net/Covenants.PDFSee Article VI: Lawn Maintenance and Management Practices.Page 8 on Exhibit A
There have also been some trailers and RV's left out; remember they should be stored inside. I really thank those who have responded to my emails on this. Empty lots are not there for storage if your contractor has left debris behind please contact them and have them finish their job by cleaning up after them selves. Don't use you neighbors' lot to dispose of your yard waste or as a storage yard for dock parts inner tubes and the like. We need to all do our part to keep our neighborhood looking nice.
All your boats should have a Newport Landing sticker on them, if they do not, give me a call and let's get them registered. I don't require non motorized boats to have a sicker but you can obtain one if you wish, if not at least put your lot number on the boat so I know where it belongs if it gets blown out to sea.Also it's a good idea to label every thing with your lot number. Every year I find many items such as balls, seat cushions, floaty devices, grill covers, toys, life jackets and the like. I can't return them unless I know where they belong.
I have not heard of any accidents this year which is great. Please continue to be diligent about all safety rules and continue with good boating etiquette.Just a reminder the state has indicated that they would be out sometime so make sure to obtain all the proper licenses for fishing and boating.
Have a great Labor Day weekend and a relaxing fall, please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about the above items.It's a pleasure serving you all.
Sincerely, Rich Melkus
Aug 5, 2008
Dear Residents,
As Labor day approaches and summer winds down I thought I'd take some time to talk about jet skis and safety. I think many residents on the lake have or use jet skis. It is usually what I hear most, “This jet ski did this. That jet ski did that.”
While the thrill of a jet skiing comes from speeding across the water, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it responsibly. Jet skiers have responsibilities to other water users – as a well as themselves – to ride in a safe and sensible manner. It’s important to know how to stay safe and how to behave with respect to other users when sharing the water.
The following realbuzz.com guide therefore aims to give you a few safety tips as well as the low-down on jet skiing rules and etiquette – which will ensure you operate your jet ski in the correct manner and stay safe while you enjoy yourself!. (I'm not picking on you jet skiers but the jet ski is usually the craft that incurs the most accidents and gets the most complaints.)
Right of way
Boats and other vessels always have the right of way – so when you’re approaching an oncoming craft, stay to the right. Also, if you are about to cross paths with another boat or jet ski, the craft on the right side has the right of way. (Our lake has a traffic pattern so please know it and follow it especially when there others on the lake.)
Awareness
You should always be on the lookout for traffic on the water. It’s best to know where other boats are and where they’re heading before you make a turn or cross a wake. Sadly, collisions are the most common type of accident when jet skiing – so take particular attention to what other craft are around you and where they are going.
Wave or wake jumping
If your course takes you across the wake of another craft, make sure that the craft does not obstruct both your own visibility and your visibility to others. Larger boats may not see you, and may not be able to get out of your way in time to avoid a collision. Stay a safe distance from other craft, 100 feet or more. Never follow a boat towing closer than 300 feet.
Operating speed
Speed limits are usually set by local regulations or by-laws, so follow the limits, (50mph) whether they are posted or not. It is your responsibility to know the local speed limit, and failure to keep to it could end up with you facing a fine – or worse still, being involved in an accident. In congested areas it might be wise to lower your speed accordingly, just as you would if you were driving a car. (Always observe the no wake buoys. I think some think this doesn't apply to them but it does. Please slow down in the coves!)
Wear the proper safety equipment
Wear an approved life jacket and eye protection to prevent water spray from obscuring your vision. Tennis shoes or deck shoes and gloves offer better control of your machine, while a wet suit provides protection from the elements. A whistle attached to your life jacket can be used to summon help in the event of an emergency situation.
Safety lanyard
Never operate your jet ski without the safety lanyard attached to you, as the lanyard will immediately cut the jet ski's engine if you fall from the craft. This safety feature can help to prevent bad accidents – so always use it!
Noise
Be conscious of the noise your craft makes. The best way to avoid noise complaints is to avoid operating at high speed near to the shoreline, waterfront properties and other boaters. You should also reduce noise early in the morning. In addition, always start the jet ski engine in the water, and warm up the engine before you set off.
Environment
It shouldn’t need saying, but don’t spill fuel, oil or leave litter or other pollutants where they don’t belong. Also, don’t operate your jet ski close to wildlife or aquatic vegetation. This will minimize the impact your craft has on nature, as well as spare the craft’s machinery from unnecessary damage.
Other water enthusiasts
Jet skiers must share the waterways with boats, fisherman, swimmers, surfers, and water skiers. You should keep your distance and respect their rights to safety, access and use of the water.
More on Jet skis...
Lets face it, jet skis are frowned upon amongst cottage owners and many boaters out there. Primarily due to the ignorance and lack of respect riders show there fellow water sport enthusiasts. By following these simple basic guidelines "for starters" we can all enjoy the stress free waters.
Whether solo or with a passenger, jet skis are a great form of summer fun on the water. It's important to operate jet skis safely and to always be considerate of others on or near the water. (Emphasize these guidelines to your guests as well. Remember if you allow guests yo use you jet skis you are still responsible. I think many of the complaints are about guest who do not know the lake rules and basic safety guidelines.)
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