LAKENGREN WATERCRAFT RULES
INTRODUCTION The operation of any watercraft on Lakengren Lakes must comply with all safety and operating rules as set forth in Ohio State Watercraft Operating Regulations whether or not those rules are specifically stated in this regulation.
A. REGISTRATION OF WATERCRAFT
1. Only watercraft titled in the property owner’s name, or renter’s name, will be registered and eligible for registration stickers. It will be necessary to present proof of ownership in the form of; 1) a copy of the title; or, 2) a copy of a state registration; or, 3) a bill of sale, when registering a watercraft with the LPOA. Registration is mandatory for all watercraft being used on any LPOA lakes. This includes PWC’s, pontoons, canoes, jon-boats, paddle boats, etc.. No watercraft over 20 feet in length, excluding
pontoons and sail boats, will be registered. Registration fees are: $10.00 for all gas powered
watercraft and $5.00 for all non-gas powered watercraft. Personal watercraft registration numbers
must be displayed on all PWC’s.
2. Only LPOA members in good standing are entitled to launch watercraft on any of the LPOA lakes.
3. Proof of ownership will be requested from each member upon inspection of every watercraft or
violation of the watercraft rules.
B. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
1. Each watercraft must comply with the safety equipment required by the Ohio State Division of
Watercraft and the Ohio Revised Code.
a. LIFE JACKETS – U.S. Coast Guard approved and one jacket per person on board and an
approved throwable device on every watercraft.
b. FIRE EXTINGUISHER – U.S. Coast Guard approved – required on all powered watercraft.
c. PROPERLY VENTED FUEL TANKS
d. HORN OR WHISTLE – On all watercraft over 12′ in length.
e. ANCHOR & LINE – All watercraft – except sailboats less than 16′, jet skis, paddle boats,
canoes and kayaks.
f. DISTRESS FLAG – All watercraft.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
a) Paddles and/or oars.
b) Ignition kill switch.
c) First aid kit.
2. All powered watercraft on the lakes after sunset must display red and green bow lights and a white
stern light. All non-powered watercraft shall carry a white light to display to avoid a collision.
Ohio State law, ORC 1547.41 (3), states: “ No person shall operate a PWC at any time between
sunset and sunrise.” Therefore, the use of PWC’s between sunset and sunrise will be prohibited
on Lakengren Lake.
C. OPERATION
Special Note: Ohio State law, ORC 1547.05 states: “ No person born on or after January 1, 1982,
shall operate a powercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower unless the operator
has received a certificate for successful completion of the following:
– A boating course approved by the National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA);
– A proficiency examination approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft.”
1. The operator of any watercraft will be responsible for operating their craft in a safe and prudent
manner, at reasonable speeds for the immediate circumstances and conditions of the lake.
“No person under 16 years of age shall operate personal watercraft (PWC) on the waters of this
state. A person who is between the ages of 12 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC if a
supervising person I8 years or older is aboard the PWC. In the case of a supervising
person born on or after January 1, 1982, the supervising person must hold a certificate
meeting the requirements of ORC 1547.05.” (Ohio State law – ORC 1547.06)
3. “No person under 12 years of age shall operate powercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower
unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who
is aboard the powercraft (excludes PWC operation). In the case of a supervising person born on
or after January 1, 1982, the supervising person must hold a certificate meeting the requirements
of ORC 1547.05.” (Ohio State law – ORC 1547.06)
4. “No supervising person shall allow any person they are supervising to violate any watercraft law.”
(Ohio State law – ORC 1547.06) “No person shall permit operation of a vessel in violation
of these sections.” (Ohio State law – ORC 1547.08) “No person who owns or has charge over a
personal watercraft shall permit operation in violation of the laws.” (Ohio State law – ORC 1547.41)
All property owners who register their watercraft with the LPOA must abide by the Ohio State
laws. Property owners who permit their watercraft to be operated by guests or other family
members will be held responsible and liable for all damages arising from the actions of, or
violations of Ohio State law, by their guests or other family members.
5. Children under 10 years of age are required to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.
6. All watercraft operators must obey buoy markings.
7. Watercraft exceeding “NO WAKE” speed must travel in a counter clockwise direction and maintain
a 100 foot minimum distance from all shorelines, “NO WAKE” buoys, and slow moving or
anchored craft. Skiers shall also maintain the same 100-foot distance.
8. Non-powered watercraft have the right-of-way at all times.
9. All watercraft-towing skiers and tubers must have two people in the watercraft, with one person
acting as an observer. The observer must be at least 10 years old.
10. Not more than two skiers, tubers, or a combination are permitted to be towed behind a watercraft.
11. All skiers and tubers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Barefoot skiers may
wear an approved wet suit designed specifically for barefoot skiing. When down, skiers should
hold one ski in a vertical position to attract the attention of other boaters. Tubers and barefoot
skiers should wave both hands over their heads to attract the attention of other boaters.
12. Turn LEFT when picking up a downed skier.
13. Operators of watercraft must maintain an adequate lookout at all times to avoid collisions and
must be cognizant of their position in relation to other watercraft.
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR OPERATION
1. Red signal flags are stationed on the dam, near the beach and at Blue Gill Cove. In addition, a red
revolving light is stationed near the point of land at the Valhalla Lodge area. The raising of the
red flags and illumination of the revolving light, 30 minutes before sunset, will signal all watercraft
operators to reduce their maximum speed to NO WAKE until sunrise of the next day. In addition
to the flags and revolving light, the Lake Patrol vessel or vessels and the Security vehicle will
sound their sirens to alert all watercraft to reduce their speed.
2. House boats or those having sleeping and living accommodations onboard are not permitted on the
lake. Watercraft cannot be used for sleeping or camping overnight.
3. Gasoline engines are prohibited on the six small lakes. Electric motors are permitted.
4. Except for pontoons and sailboats, watercraft over 20 feet actual length are prohibited.
Watercraft will be measured in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, which provide,
the length is measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer. This means a straight
line measurement of the overall length from the foremost part of the vessel to the aftermost
part of the vessel, measured parallel to the centerline. Bow sprits, bumpkins, rudders, outboard
motor brackets, and similar fittings are not to be included in the measurement. Nor, does it
include rudders, out drives, diving platforms or other attachments. The length is measured in
feet and inches.
5. A two-hour pass can be issued at the Guardhouse, to any member in good standing, for the purpose
of test-driving a watercraft upon Lakengren waters. The two-hour limit will be strictly enforced. A
deposit of $20.00 will be required. Deposit will be returned when the two-hour pass is returned to
the Security Guard. Deposit will be automatically forfeited if the pass is not returned on time.
6. Ski belts are not permitted.
7. Littering – Litter deposited upon any Lakengren waters or banks will result in a citation and
possible suspension of privileges.
8. Swimming in the high-speed areas of Lakengren Lake is prohibited.
9. Capacity Plates – All watercraft operators must comply with the limitations prescribed by the
manufacturer on the capacity plate affixed to the watercraft. In the event, a watercraft does not
have a capacity plate, the total weight of all occupants, gear, fuel and engine should not exceed
a weight factor determined by multiplying the length of the vessel by the width of the vessel;
dividing that result by 15, and then multiplying that answer by 150.
10. Glider kites towed behind watercraft are prohibited.
11. All airboats, hover craft, and ski free mechanisms are banned at all times.
12. Operating Under the Influence – Ohio State laws – ORC 1547.11 & ORC 1547.111, provide
for stiff penalties when persons operate watercraft while under the influence of either
prescription or illegal drugs, and/or alcohol. A person is in violation with a concentration of
0.10 or more Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The legal limit for persons under 21 years of age
is 0.02 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The laws automatically revoke the operating privileges
of boaters who refuse to submit to chemical tests when they are suspected of being under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. They also revoke for one year the boat’s registration, if the person
operating the watercraft is the owner. The laws also carry a mandatory three (3) day jail sentence.
Enforcement and jurisdiction includes all waterways in the State of Ohio, including Lakengren’s
lakes. The laws may be enforced by any law enforcement officer. In addition, Ohio State law –
ORC 1547.12, provides that no person shall operate any vessel if they are unable physically or
mentally to operate in a safe and competent manner, and further states no person shall permit
operation of a vessel in violation of this law.
PUBLIC DOCKS – LPOA owned docks will be rented on an annual basis in accordance with the following guidelines:
1. Specific docks may be reserved on an annual basis for a fee of $100.00.
2. Each watercraft can use only one dock space.
3. Leaving slack in mooring lines will prevent damage to watercraft and docks.
4. Do not attach material of any kind to the public docks. The use of bumpers tied to the outside of
5. Docks at the Lodge and the Marina are for temporary use only. Overnight docking at these
locations is prohibited.
VIOLATIONS
Violations of all watercraft rules relating to LPOA specific rules and general safety and operational rules may result in warnings and/or citations to be issued to the watercraft owner. Property owners and renters must accept the responsibility for the safe operation of their watercraft by all persons using said watercraft.
Where violations do not present an immediate danger of life and property, a warning may be sufficient.
If such warning is ignored, a citation will be issued to the watercraft owner. Such citations shall carry a maximum fine of $25.00 for the first violation; a $50.00 fine for a second violation; and suspension of
all water use privileges for the balance of the calendar year for a third offense.
Violations that present an immediate danger, which could result in bodily injury. death and/or property damages, shall be subject to a LPOA citation or a complaint filed with the Preble County Sheriff or the ODNR Watercraft Enforcement Division. The action taken will depend upon the severity of the violation. Where a LPOA citation is issued the maximum fine shall be $100 and suspension of all water use privileges for the balance of the calendar year.
Any member whose water privileges have been suspended and who is found using any of the lakes in any manner shall be subject to additional citations and fines, considered to be trespassing and subject to arrest by the Preble County Sheriff.
ENFORCEMENT
Lakengren Security/Lake Patrol has the authority to enforce all watercraft rules except as noted below, issue citations and warnings and escort from the lakes anyone who does not comply with these watercraft rules. Non-compliance with Lakengren Security/Lake Patrol directions will result in a citation being issued to the owner of the watercraft.
Any LPOA member in good standing shall have the right to file a written complaint against any watercraft the member observes to be in violation and/or being operated in a manner that is hazardous to other watercraft or persons on the lake. The complaint shall be investigated by Security, and the LPOA Manager, and appropriate action shall be taken by the LPOA Manager after confirming the incident did in fact take place or after observing the same watercraft being operated in violation of these watercraft rules.
When ODNR Watercraft Officers, or Preble County Sheriff Deputies are patrolling the lake, enforcement of all Ohio State Watercraft Rules shall be under their jurisdiction. LPOA jurisdiction shall be secondary to State and County jurisdiction.
LPOA Security/Lake Patrol shall not enforce state laws pertaining to Ohio state registration and titling of watercraft.
LPOA Security/Lake Patrol shall not issue a citation for “operating under the influence” but shall immediately seek to escort the watercraft to shore and notify the Preble County Sheriff for assistance and enforcement.
G. Watercraft Owners Please Read……
The acceptance of a LPOA registration sticker on your watercraft officially signifies you as a member in good standing, and that you have accepted the responsibility of complying with the above rules and agree to follow the directives of LPOA Security/Lake Patrol when in violation.
There are many different activities occurring simultaneously on our Lake – skiing, fishing, sail boating, etc. – through a spirit of cooperation and good common sense, we can all enjoy our interests and have safe boating seasons.
Thank you.
Lakengren Board of Trustees
Adopted: March 12, 2001 Regular BOT Meeting-Motion 01-03-155 (Major Re-write)
No Record of original Adoption
Revised: May 14, 1993
Revised: Regular BOT Meeting-Motion 95-6-34 & 35
Revised: Regular BOT Meeting-Motion 96-1-147
Revised: May 30, 1996
Revised: June 14, 1996 Regular BOT Meeting-Motion 96-6-42
Revised: February 26, 1997
Revised: November 20, 1998 Regular BOT Meeting – Motion 98-01-173 (BOAT LENGTH)
Revised: September 9, 2002 Regular BOT Meeting – Motion 02-09-85
Revised: September 24, 2007 Regular BOT Meeting – Motion 07-09-95