[Clare Henderson contributed this article in 2002. I have just moved it here from the old KLRA website. Greig]
Boating With Respect
A Guide To Boating on Kahshe Lake
by Clare Henderson
Although boating provides one of the greatest pleasures associated with a lake, it is THE biggest problem affecting quality of life on Kahshe Lake.
The survey carried out by the Kahshe Lake Ratepayers Association as part of the 2001 study of the lake collected information from 262 residents, who said that they own an average of 3.81 boats per family residence. There are about 950 such residences on and around the lake, which means that there could be as many as 3600 water craft ready to take to the water.
Although this number does not take into account visiting boats or the rental boats that use the same space, we definitely own and operate a lot of boats!
What is the problem? According to 73% of the respondents to the survey, boating is the biggest problem affecting quality of life on Kahshe Lake. As an issue, boating beats out water quality and taxes. In descending order the concerns are boat speed, boat noise, wash/wake of boats, unsafe operation, excessive size, PWCs, congestion, engine pollution, inconsiderate boaters/skiers/fishermen, and just too many boats altogether.
To demonstrate how serious residents think the problem is, when asked what conditions would cause them to sell their property and leave the area, 15% of the respondents said boat congestion.
The kinds of water craft range from paddleboats to racing boats. 44% of the respondents have powered boats, one has a racing boat, and the rest are self-propelled or wind driven, except of course for the PWCs.
Is it the PWCs that get people down? Maybe, but only 2.1% of those surveyed say thay own a PWC. Even if this percentage held true for the 950 residences, it means that there are about 20 PWCs owned by lake resident families. Even allowing for summer visitors and rentals, it couldn't be the number of the PWCs that get the residents goats. It must be the way they are used.
The May issue of Cottage Life includes a poster called "Ride With Respect", which is also available from their web site at www.cottagelife.com. It includes six suggestions and one imperative, worth quoting here.
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Keep a safe distance from shore, swimmers, paddlers, and wildlife.
Keep your jet drive in the water to reduce sound levels.
Don't create your own jumping wake by riding in circles near shore.
Don't ride in one location for more than a few minutes.
Don't ride near boats to jump their wakes.
Don't race and weave through congested boat traffic. |
PLEASE RIDE WITH RESPECT -OR DON'T RIDE AT ALL.
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Some of these recommendations for respectful riding apply to all power boats.
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Go no-wake slow when passing a canoe.
Do not drive in circles to give kids a bouncy ride on a tube and cottagers a rough ride on their docks.
Keep a safe distance from shore, swimmers, paddlers, and wildlife.
Do not fish under other people's docks and rafts.
Do not drive a wake boat on Kahshe Lake -the channels are too narrow.
Do not speed! |
Did you know that Kahshe Lake has speed limits? 70 kph is the speed limit off shore.
The limit is 10kph within 100 feet (30 metres) of the shore. If a channel is less that 200 feet wide, all boats must go through at a maximum of 10kph. You can easily tell if a boat is exceeding this speed -boats do not plane at 10 kph.
What are the answers to the boating issue? On June 1, 2002, the KLRA hosted a workshop for lake residents and this question was the topic of dialogue for one of the groups. Their suggestions are directed at the lake associations for action.
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Distribute regulations and install signs for no-wake areas.
Distribute maps showing fish habitat and loon nesting areas.
Educate boaters to be aware of their own wakes regardless of boat size and speed. |
2. Speed: |
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Post boat regulations and speed limits at public docking facilities.
Educate residents about boating policies and environmental concerns |
Conclusion: |
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The best results will come through the education of Kahshe Lake boaters. KLRA volunteers can deliver notices to all residents. The Kahshe Lake Handbook and the KLRA newsletters will carry sections on boating safety and courtesy.
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Here is a motto for boaters to consider:
I respect my lake and my neighbours who use it and enjoy it, and I expect the same in return.
For PWC Riders: Selections from "Ride With Respect" for PWC riders in Cottage Life, May 2002, p.94.)