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06/03/2007 11:46:05 AM · #1 |
Hello,
I moved to a gated community at Lake Ramsey in Covington, Louisiana. These are all private homes and dues are paid. There is a lake there that many homes are built on. In back of the homes are small beaches and docks.
The lake is not very big but big enough to operate fast jetskis and boats up to 25 feet.
Recently we have found that some idiots...adults at that, have been operating jetskis in a dangerous way. At times they swerve close to the docks and slalom in and out of the "marker bouys" that are very near private docks and beaches. This is very dangerouns to the children that swim and play on the beaches and in the water.
My question is this: Is there anything that the police or coast guard can do to put an end to this?
For reference, the local police will write tickets on our street if you complain and call them in. However, there is not a regular pratrol there.
Thanks,
Kenskid |
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06/03/2007 11:51:27 AM · #2 |
I'm pretty sure the Coast Guard won't have jurisdiction, since the lake is not a navigable waterway, but the local police will. If nothing else, I'm sure there's a boating equivalent to reckless driving, and that close to the docks they're probably violating a posted or statutory no wake zone.
In short, contact the police. They can probably do something about it.
~Terry
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06/03/2007 11:55:09 AM · #3 |
| your parks and wildlife department (game wardon) will control it |
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06/03/2007 12:02:58 PM · #4 |
I have no knowledge about the laws in your jurisdiction, but I do know for a fact that in my neck of the woods that this type of behaviour would run afoul of existing laws.
I would most certainly report it to your local police authority... there is no reason the well being of others should be endangered due to the recklessness of others.
Good luck,
Ray
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06/03/2007 12:15:26 PM · #5 |
In our jurisdiction, it would be either the local police or the Dept. of Natural resources that would have jurisdiction. Your state may be different, but I'm fairly sure that local police do indeed have jurisdiction. They are probably your best bet.
Though laws vary, I'd be very surprised if the behavior is not in violation of local or state ordinances. |
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06/03/2007 12:16:34 PM · #6 |
I suggest calling the State Police, as well. I know that we have No-wake and distance laws on our lakes here in VT, and the State Police have a boat on the lake and maintain a presence. And I have seen them pull people over for infractions.
Also, all boats up here are required to have a identification number on the hull, kind of like a license plate. If LA has a similar policy and you're able to get that number and report it to the Police, it may help them track down the offenders.
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06/03/2007 12:20:44 PM · #7 |
| One other thought. If you're lucky enough (or determined enough) to have a camera handy when the idiots run riot, grab a few pictures of the activity. Always nice to have a little evidence. |
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06/03/2007 12:25:07 PM · #8 |
I saw where a major football player died in lake P in a jet ski accident a week or so ago. I am sure that it is not legal to operate watercraft of any kind in the dangerous manner that you describe. If they are drinking, they may also have to face DUI charges. That is not good, but better than having someone injured or dead from their fun and games. The local police would be the right connection to make first.
Take video if you want to have evidence to show the police, so that they will believe your story. At least, keep track of the times and dates, as they may be playing on a regular schedule, like Saturday afternoons between the hours of X and X. That will make it easier for the police to know when to be around to see them.
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06/03/2007 12:51:43 PM · #9 |
Kenny, if I were you I would be asking the community board this question. If you have to pay dues chances are you have a board committee that has jurisdiction over the lake.
When I was growing up we lived in a community that had a board committee and at the time we were not allowed to have a fence in the back yard that was taller than 4 feet. My dad didn't like the idea so he joined the board and changed the rule. They can now have up to an 8 foot fence and there were a TON more changes to that I would be pointless... You get the point..
Join the comity and do something about it. If the lake is owned by the community wouldn't that mean that the people on the jet skies live there???
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06/03/2007 01:30:37 PM · #10 |
I think by the sounds of the op, the community is ON the lake, but not totally inclusive of it? But still, you have a good point, I was going to suggest the same thing, bring it up with the community. If you go to the local authorities that have jurisdiction, representing the entire community, and not just an individual lodging a complaint, it probably would hold even greater weight.
I know the local police patrol the lakes around here and do enforce boating rules, including wreckless behavior and alcohol.
Heck, recently I heard of a person getting a dui while 'driving' a horse around here! ....... |
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06/03/2007 01:39:40 PM · #11 |
On the lake where we had a ski boat where I grew up, we once got a ticket for not having enough life jackets in the boat, so there just has to be some agency with jurisdiction. Local parks and rec, state parks, or something will be able to enforce safe boating laws.
I agree that you should check with the community board first and also the police. Even if they don't do it, they should be able to help you find someone who can. And if they can't, go to your local library and ask the reference librarian for help.
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06/03/2007 02:22:56 PM · #12 |
Thanks for all the replies. I'll look into the police and Wildlife and Fisheries. They seem like the best bet after searching the net.
I'll let you know how it comes out.
Ken |
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06/03/2007 03:08:24 PM · #13 |
| Who do you pay dues to in this gated community? Is there a homeowners association? If they're an active association (providing a guard at the gate, security, etc.) then I'd think they would be interested. They might even be able to levy homeowner fines against people for asshole behavior on the water. |
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06/03/2007 04:00:17 PM · #14 |
I just did a search on "unsafe watersports"
how I wish I had safe-search turned on... ewwwwww |
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06/03/2007 05:35:32 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Simms:
I just did a search on "unsafe watersports"
how I wish I had safe-search turned on... ewwwwww |
LOL |
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