Letter from Lieutenant John Karris DNR District One Commander

Wawasee Property Owners Association,I trust the winter months were enjoyable for all. Once Lake Wawasee froze sufficiently, the days were filled with countless people ice boat sailing, snowmobiling and fishing. Now that the ice has melted many homes and properties have been impacted by high water. It seems that high water is more common place now than it has ever been before. One thing is for sure, the time to prepare for high water is well before the water starts to appear. During the periods of high water your local Conservation Officers can be called upon to complete reports of lost items such as pier sections, small boats and other water recreational devices. More often than not these items are nearby. Please check with neighboring property owners for lost items before making any reports of lost items.Being prepared for the boating season is very important. Preparation for a safe and enjoyable boating season is often a simple and easy task. First and foremost make sure all life jackets on your boat are in good condition. If tears in fabric or straps appear the life jacket should be discarded. Make sure there is a life jacket that is the correct size for each passenger on your motorboat. Make sure the engine, controls and navigational lights of your motorboat are serviced properly every year. Educate your family, friends and guests on the proper manner to operate a motorboat. Encourage all motorboat operators to participate in a Boater Education Course. These courses are offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, United States Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary.During the boating season IDNR would like your assistance. If you see a motorboat being operated unsafely, contact the nearest law enforcement agency or ICO Dispatch at (812) 837-9536. Often motorboat operators do not realize the unsafe condition they are creating by operating in a particular manner. Officers would much rather explain the correct way to operate a motorboat to an unsuspecting motorboat operator than investigate a serious accident. We hope to see you on the water enjoying the summer sun soon.Safe Boating.Lieutenant John KarrisDistrict One Commander