Please slow down in the No Wake Zone! As a reminder to boaters, the ordinance providing for enforcement of the Slow No-Wake zone in the mid lake channel defines slow no-wake as "operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, but in no case greater than five miles per hour." (MN Statute 56B.005 Subd. 16a). The Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol adds "producing no white rolling wake anywhere from bow to stern" as their practical definition. Interestingly enough, the sheriffs dept. notes that most of the offenders are actually lake residents, not visitors! The no wake zones were created to help to reduce shoreline erosion and property damage in constricted areas as well as promoting safety in the narrow mid-lake channel where boats may be in close proximity to shorelines and each other. Lets see if we can improve compliance without having to have the Sheriff writing tickets.
To view the ordinance please see Section 1 (Independence city code 915.05.). Slow no-wake zone on Lake Sarah. Subd. 1. No Wake in Channel on the No-wake Ordinance page. or on the city of Independence website.
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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers are not seeing what they would like when it comes to the safety of Minnesota boaters. There seems to be a number of people who don't have the correct number or type of personal flotation devices, commonly called life jackets, life vests or PFDs on board their watercraft.
"I regularly see three problems," said Milaca-based DNR Conservation Officer David Schottenbauer. "Folks take the boat out for the first trip of the season and forget the PFDs; they are unaware they need a throwable PFD for boats 16 feet and longer; or they incorrectly assume a boat cushion counts as a primary PFD for a person on a boat."
On all boats, except a sailboard, regardless of length (including canoes, kayaks and duck boats) there must be a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD (life jacket) for each person on board. Type IV throwable devices, such as boat cushions, are no longer acceptable primary lifesaving devices.
If the boat is 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks), one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable flotation device, such as a boat cushion or ring buoy must be immediately available on each boat. In addition to wearable life jackets, a boat cushion or ring buoy has been required on boats 16 feet or longer in Minnesota since 1996.
In spite of some adults forgetting about the life jacket laws, officers report children under 10 are doing a great job wearing their life jackets in compliance with the Minnesota law that became effective in 2005. That regulation requires children under 10 wear a life jacket when boating unless on a boat with a licensed captain, or a craft that is anchored and being used as a platform for swimming. The other exception for the child PFD law is if the child is below decks such as in a cabin cruiser.
Officers also report that a few parents have been buying nonapproved flotation jackets, suits and swimming aids for their children to wear while boating, but that these do not fulfill legal requirements. The DNR is reminding adults to check the label for U.S. Coast Guard approval before putting it on the child for a day of boating. Children found wearing their life vests while boating are eligible for a PFD Panda certificate handed out by DNR officers and county sheriff's deputies, with an attached coupon good for a free Dairy Queen treat.
Violation of any of the life jacket laws can bring fines and fees of more than $100 for each occurrence.
MN DNR News Release Lifesaving devices found lacking in some boats (2006-05-31)
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| photo by Brad Spencer |
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Courtesy and Situational Awareness when operating watercraft are helpful in the effort to prevent accidents and promote a more enjoyable use of our shared resource. Conflicting uses often present situations where common sense and good judgment will go a long way toward avoiding problems and confrontations. Obey the laws, respect others rights, and practice safe boating etiquette and we can all enjoy the lake together.
2008 Boating Guide |
Basic Water Laws
Got questions about Minnesota Water Laws? What is a floodplain? Who owns the lakebed? What is the Ordinary High Water Level? What would be considered trespassing when the public seeks access to a body of water? This link will lead you to a new report from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources titled Basic Water Laws. In question and answer format, this report will help you to understand the basics of water regulations in the state.
Shoreline Alterations and Aquatic Plant Management
Lakeshore property owners are reminded that removing aquatic plants or altering shoreline may require a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Additionally, Lakeshore owners who are considering projects that would alter their shoreline or lake bottom should review the DNR Division of Waters permit requirements before work begins. Certain types of alterations below the ordinary high water level of public waters or public waters wetlands require an individual Public Waters Work Permit.Click on this link for the full news release. Specific permit application information can be found on the permit information section of the MN DNR website via this link.
Temporary Structures Permits
Temporary Structure Permits are required whenever you want to place a structure or buoy on a lake or river in Hennepin County including, but not limited to swim rafts, designated swimming areas, mooring buoys, water ski jumps and ice skating rinks.
Some permits are good for three years, and others must be renewed annually. Download the information and application packet here. You should also download one of the following information sheets for your specific request:
Ice Skating Rink Mooring Buoy Ski Jump
Slalom Course Swim Area Swim Raft
The above links by permission and courtesy of the Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol. For more information please visit the water patrol website.
Regulations for snowmobile, atv, boat or pwc operation
Click the blue text for a copy of the 2008 Minnesota Snowmobile Regs , Personal Watercraft Regs , 2008 MN Boating Guide , 2007-08 ATV/OHV Regs in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf).
To report illegal vehicular activity you should contact: Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol (952)471-1300, or West Hennepin Public Safety (763)479-0500.
Regulations for fishing/hunting
Click the blue text for a copy of the 2008 MN Fishing Regs, in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf).
To report hunting or fishing violations call: DNR area Conservation Officer Todd Kanieski at (763) 576-8876, DNR Enforcement (651)296-6157, or orTIP (turn in poachers) toll free hotline 800-652-9093. |
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| Remember - Ice is never 100% safe! |
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ICE IS NEVER 100% SAFE, Be prepared and know what to do in an emergency.
The DNR recommends the following ice depths: 8 inches of new clear ice for small to medium sized cars, SUVs and pickup trucks, 5 inches for ATVs, and 4 inches for people. Winter sports enthusiasts can obtain a free packet of ice safety information, including a pamphlet and a minimum ice thickness wallet card by calling (651) 296-6157 in the Twin Cities area or toll-free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Computer users can send an e-mail to the DNR and ask for the free ice safety packet. Learn what to do if you fall through - Using Ice Picks for self rescue (Windows Media movie format file 4.6 MB, video courtesy of Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources).
If you see someone fall through the ice or if a companion falls through thin ice:
- Keep calm and think out a solution.
- Don't run up to the hole. You'll probably break through and then there will be two victims.
- Use some item on shore to throw or extend to the victim to pull them out of the water such as jumper cables or skis, or push a boat ahead of you.
- If you can't rescue the victim immediately, call 911. It's amazing how many people carry cellphones.
- Get medical assistance for the victim. People who are subjected to cold water immersion but seem fine after being rescued can suffer a potentially fatal condition called "after drop" that may occur when cold blood that is pooled in the body's extremities starts to circulate again as the victim starts to re-warm.
What if YOU fall in?
- Try not to panic. Instead, remain calm and turn toward the direction you came from.
- Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice (here's where a set of ice picks or a couple of screw drivers would come in handy.) Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet. If the ice breaks, maintain your position and slide forward again.
- Once you are lying on the ice, don't stand. Instead, roll away from the hole. That spreads out your weight until you are on solid ice. (This sounds much easier than it really is to do.)
The best advice is don't put yourself into needless danger by venturing out too soon or too late in the season. No angler, no matter how much of a fishing enthusiast, would want to die for a crappie. For more information on ice safety contact the MN DNR and ask for our free ice safety publications, which include the brochures, "Danger, Thin Ice" and "Hypothermia the Cold Facts" and the wallet-sized reference card and 11X14 posters titled, "Minimum Recommended Ice Thicknesses." Metro (651) 296-6157 or toll free outside the metro area 1-888-646-6367 or email the Information Center at info@dnr.state.mn.us. Ice safety information is also available by visiting the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov.
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