INFORMATION BOARD

I am an Otter Laker

I love the Lake and understand my responsibility to protect it and preserve it. I respect the Lake and my fellow cottagers’ enjoyment of it. As an Otter Laker, I am committed to:

Respecting the peace and solitude of the Lake. I know sound travels – like chainsaws, power washers, leaf blowers – across water from my cottage and boat. I use my power tools during daylight hours, before 6 p.m. and keep my enjoyment of music to my immediate surroundings. My guests and I don’t make noise that would disrupt my neighbours after 11 p.m.

Safe boating. I have a Boater’s License and keep it in the boat at all times. Everyone who drives the boat has a license. Everyone at our cottage respects the boating laws. Safety on the lake is our top priority. I remind my guests that:

• Children under the age of 12 and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 10 hp (7.5 kw).

• Youth between 12 years of age and under 16 years of age and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 40 hp (30 kw).

• Only people 16 years of age or older can operate a personal watercraft (jet ski) regardless of supervision.

• Anyone towing a water skier or tuber behind a boat or jet ski must have a spotter on board.

Traveling at a respectable distance from people’s docks. I keep to a courteous distance of 15 metres off shore when canoeing and kayaking. And I respect the unposted speed limit of 10km/h (6 mph) within 30 metres (100 ft) from shore for power boats and jet skis.

Boat Wake. I understand that the larger the wake the greater the danger to inexperienced swimmers, smaller craft that can be capsized, shoreline erosion and nesting birds like the loon, so I take care to always minimize my wake.

Safe swimming. I make sure I have a boat accompanying me or anyone swimming from the shore. I also make sure children are always supervised when swimming or playing near the lake.

Respecting and preserving the wildlife and natural vegetation around the lake. I try to keep my use of the shoreline in balance with the ecosystem of the lake.

Waterfront lighting. I limit waterfront lighting, knowing that it is very disruptive to freshwater ecology; it stops zooplankton from coming toward the water's surface at night to feed and also disrupts the feeding and reproductive behaviour of fish and birds. I ensure my external lighting is minimally invasive to my neighbours, the lake and the night sky.

My guests (and my renters) have been briefed and understand, respect and will follow the

commitments I have made as an Otter Lake cottager.