05-16-2008, 11:10 AM
HOT SPRINGS - Complaints about unsafe operation of boats in confined areas of Lake Hamilton have resulted in increased enforcement efforts by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Garland County Sheriff's Office. An area of particular concern is the Big Mazarn basin.
<br>Concerns' about skiers coming too close to docks and other boats have been received by the AGFC and sheriff's office. In a March 2008 commission meeting, property owners in the Big Mazarn basin asked the AGFC to make the narrow area a "˜No Ski' zone. Commission Chairman Sonny Varnell said that he wanted to enforce the existing regulations on the lake to see if that would relieve the citizen's concerns about skiers coming too close to other boats and docks. Varnell agreed to revisit the issue in the future if the situation did not improve.<br>
<br>Negligent or reckless operation of a boat includes:<br>
<br>Weaving through congested waterway traffic.
Jumping the wake of another vessel too close to that vessel or when visibility is obstructed.
Swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision.<br>
<br>Chasing or harassing wildlife with a watercraft.
Creating a hazardous wake to approaching or passing vessels (a wake that causes other vessels to take on water or toss riders of other vessels about in a manner to cause injury or the risk of injury.
Boating faster than 5 mph within 100 feet of a designated recreation area, dock, pier, raft, float, anchored vessel, dam, intake structure or other obstruction, unless a different speed limit has been posted in the area.
<br>Concerns' about skiers coming too close to docks and other boats have been received by the AGFC and sheriff's office. In a March 2008 commission meeting, property owners in the Big Mazarn basin asked the AGFC to make the narrow area a "˜No Ski' zone. Commission Chairman Sonny Varnell said that he wanted to enforce the existing regulations on the lake to see if that would relieve the citizen's concerns about skiers coming too close to other boats and docks. Varnell agreed to revisit the issue in the future if the situation did not improve.<br>
<br>Negligent or reckless operation of a boat includes:<br>
<br>Weaving through congested waterway traffic.
Jumping the wake of another vessel too close to that vessel or when visibility is obstructed.
Swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision.<br>
<br>Chasing or harassing wildlife with a watercraft.
Creating a hazardous wake to approaching or passing vessels (a wake that causes other vessels to take on water or toss riders of other vessels about in a manner to cause injury or the risk of injury.
Boating faster than 5 mph within 100 feet of a designated recreation area, dock, pier, raft, float, anchored vessel, dam, intake structure or other obstruction, unless a different speed limit has been posted in the area.