Recommendation/Motion for the August 9, 2020 AGM of the Hamlet of Crystal Lake
Hello Don, Brad and Howard,
Below is a Proposed Water Safety Motion for the August 9, 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Hamlet of Crystal Lake at Stenen or ??
The proposed Motion reads:
That the Hamlet Board annually review Water Safety activities and concerns at Crystal Lake by means of some of the following ways:
-1. by including in the yearly Work Plan a review of Water Safety activities and concerns;
-2. by making available electronically (and in print as needed) the existing boat and water safety pamphlet to all cottage owners and visitors at Crystal Lake.
-3. by periodically inviting water safety presentations by the Red Cross or a comparable organization;
-4. by inviting the RCMP to clarify legislation about boat-driver licenses, boat safety requirements and, continue at the Lake their earlier practice of checking related compliance;
-5. Other
Purpose and Rationale:
-Recently, after someone counted 17 motorboats, sea-doos, canoes plus two adult swimmers crossing the lake, I mentioned that before too long someone is going to get badly hurt or killed on this Lake. At times it is clearly “the wild wild west” and the need for safety guidelines, courtesy and wisdom is self-evident.
-This summer a couple of times there have been: motor-boats pulling a ski-ier or towable without a spotter; reports of boat drivers passing other boats in dangerously close ways and near misses; paddle boats with children and dogs on them but no life jackets on the children; sea-doos, some with pullables cutting in and out forcing larger boats to make difficult moves to avoid a collision.
-This spring, even before the ice was out, one eager person in a kayak nearly got trapped in an ice-flow.
-In the past 44 years of living at CL, there have been several near misses, accidents, and people hurt.
-Lest you think that I am a spoilsport, please note that swimming, canoeing, sailing, and riding in a motorboat on this Lake since 1976 have been and are personal pleasures.
-I assume that all or many of us love and enjoy this place and its water, but there is a need a self-evident need for a few more guidelines, respect and wisdom.
Submitted by John Oussoren
PS: Alvin Law indicates “I’d be happy to second your motion.”
I totally agree.
I also have concerns about safety of the boats but also enjoyment of the lake tranquillity.
I am wondering if it would be possible to have some “non- ski boat” times in the morning and evening
When I am out fishing I fear that I will be capsized as white caps are on the lake, and waves in all directions even after the boats are gone. Also, it would be nice to enjoy the lake without noise pollution at all times throughout the day.
I oppose this motion. As soon as we add a rule to allow one person to better enjoy the lake, we are removing the ability of someone else to enjoy the lake as they might like. Boating is already very regulated.
I agree that some direction /reminders may be necessary as we all want to ensure everyone’s safety.
I enthusiastically agree with the motion to establish some guidelines and recommendations. Clearly, it is difficult to enforce some guidelines, but if we were to establish some times for paddling and fishing which were more or less honoured, I think it would benefit all of us. No one wants to worry about being capsized, and the parents who take their kids out for a spin don’t want want to worry about upsetting anyone, either. I say, let’s go forward with some healthy guidelines for the pleasure and safety if all!
We certainly need some safety regulations published and distributed to all cottage owners and visitors. I too, have noticed several near misses, where boaters, skiers, paddlers, have passed much to close. This lake is small, on busy days everyone should practise courtesy and respect. Back in the day boats and skiers used to go around the lake in a never ending circle, not thinking of passing each other to go faster! (don’t believe I just said that). I am in favour of sharing the lake with non-motorized craft, if it is sail boats, canoes, kayaks, or paddle boards, cross lake swimmers. I would like to officially ask that a “Courtesy Time” be allowed until 9:00 am every morning and that all lake users be respected.