LAKE RAMSEY GUIDELINES
from Home Owners Association pamphlet 1998
Dear Property Owner:
Welcome to Lake Ramsey Community. We are a private community located in a beautiful setting, designed to provide residents with a relaxed, pleasant and secure way of life. The beauty and serenity of your community is something we value highly and requires the continued interest and cooperation of all.
To help you understand how the Lake Ramsey Community operates and the part you play in the lifestyle that you have chosen by becoming a part of it, we have complied the following information for your use.
We hope you will enjoy being a part of the Lake Ramsey Community and make full and caring use of our precious paradise. We encourage you to meet your neighbors and to make suggestions and give assistance in helping make our home your home. We have many working committees needing your assistance to help keep our community special and we look forward to getting to know your any your family.
Contact any member of our board of directors to become involved.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1.
Lake Ramsey is a private lake and is not available to the general public, therefore, use is limited to property owners, their family and guest.
Lake Ramsey is a private lake and is not available to the general public, therefore, use is limited to property owners, their family and guest.2.Property owners are responsible for the conduct and actions of their children and guests at all times. All rules, covenants and restrictions of the subdivision must be adhered to by all property owners and guests.
Property owners are responsible for the conduct and actions of their children and guests at all times. All rules, covenants and restrictions of the subdivision must be adhered to by all property owners and guests.3.For safety's sake, a maximum speed of 20MILES PER HOUR must be adhered to by all property owners and their guests on the roads of Lake Ramsey. Please watch for children, walkers, joggers and bike riders.
For safety's sake, a maximum speed of 20MILES PER HOUR must be adhered to by all property owners and their guests on the roads of Lake Ramsey. Please watch for children, walkers, joggers and bike riders.4.When a guard is present at the front gate (currently during holiday weekends) all guests must be registered by a member on the guest list posted with the guard. Property Owners may register guests either on guest arrival or by signing the guest list in advance. Failure to do so may result in no admittance.
When a guard is present at the front gate (currently during holiday weekends) all guests must be registered by a member on the guest list posted with the guard. Property Owners may register guests either on guest arrival or by signing the guest list in advance. Failure to do so may result in no admittance.5.Lake level and lake quality are controlled by DHH & DEQ, and requires proper maintenance be performed by our present utility company. No one is permitted to tamper in anyway with either weir used to control the lake level.
Lake level and lake quality are controlled by DHH & DEQ, and requires proper maintenance be performed by our present utility company. No one is permitted to tamper in anyway with either weir used to control the lake level.6.Fertilizers, insecticides and household chemicals are extremely hazardous to the quality and life of our lake. Maximum caution is advised. All runoff from our property goes directly into the lake.
Fertilizers, insecticides and household chemicals are extremely hazardous to the quality and life of our lake. Maximum caution is advised. All runoff from our property goes directly into the lake.FOR ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE LAKE
and/or USE OF FERTILIZERS, INSECTICIDES or CHEMICALS
PLEASE CONTACT OUR LAKE MAINTNANCE COMMITTEE.
BOATING
Water means freedom to many boaters. Abusing that freedom prevents people on shore or other boaters from enjoying the peacefulness of the open waters of our lake. It also creates pressure to regulate boating activity.
Boaters must respect the rights of shoreline property owners. These rights vary depending on movement of water level. Generally, property rights extend to the water's edge. The freedom to use water does not include the right to use private lands. You must have permission from an owner to launch or moor a boat on private property. Boat launching is available to property owners and their gusts at the end of Riverlake Drive next to our water well.
Noise carries farther on water, particularly when it is otherwise quite. Remember that early morning or late afternoon are times when people particularly value quite. Stay away from shoreline areas with homes, or other areas where people go for peace and quite.
Water pollution laws prohibit throwing or discharging refuse into the water. Pick up after yourself on shore. Be careful that you do not spill gasoline into the water when refueling.
High speed boating is dangerous in restricted or congested areas. The skipper is responsible for spotting and avoiding swimmers and slow moving vessels. This is also important when picking up or dropping off water skiers.
High speed can produce high wakes. Boaters are responsible for damage caused by their wakes. Slow down and watch your wake when approaching congested areas or small boats with low transoms.
The boat operator is responsible for the safety of any passenger. Whenever you carry a passenger, make sure they are properly seated and wearing a life vest.
Good skippers know the rules of the water and make sure they are followed. They use caution and consideration when mixing noise, speed and exhaust with the relaxing life on the water.
Boating provides quality family time. It's a time to fish, explore, ride and relax or water ski. Be sensitive to others on the water. Avoid disrupting a peaceful day with excessive speed and/or wake and noise. Practice the basics of being a good neighbor. It will deliver the same benefits gained on land. Always observe all speed, buoy and wake restrictions.
Boating Guidelines
1.Observe all Louisiana Boating Laws. All watercraft must comply with minimum Coast Guard requirements.
Observe all Louisiana Boating Laws. All watercraft must comply with minimum Coast Guard requirements.2.Obey all traffic signs on lake.
Obey all traffic signs on lake.3.All property owner watercraft used on the lake must be registered by Lake Ramsey Property Owners Association, Inc. and decals attached to the watercraft. Each watercraft must also display a Lake Ramsey Flag for easy identification. Boats that are not registered will not be allowed on the lake.
All property owner watercraft used on the lake must be registered by Lake Ramsey Property Owners Association, Inc. and decals attached to the watercraft. Each watercraft must also display a Lake Ramsey Flag for easy identification. Boats that are not registered will not be allowed on the lake.4.No motorized watercraft may be operated within 200 feet of docks or shore. Maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from buoys that may be present behind homes or property.
No motorized watercraft may be operated within 200 feet of docks or shore. Maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from buoys that may be present behind homes or property.5.All guest watercraft must be registered with security guard by property owner. Guest watercraft may only be allowed when property owner is present and does not interfere with the rights of other property owners by overcrowding the lake. Guest watercraft must be clearly marked with Lake Ramsey Guest Flag. Please be considerate and courteous of other owners rights and privilege to enjoy the lake. Guest watercraft must be properly licensed and insured in order to be considered for entry onto the lake.
All guest watercraft must be registered with security guard by property owner. Guest watercraft may only be allowed when property owner is present and does not interfere with the rights of other property owners by overcrowding the lake. Guest watercraft must be clearly marked with Lake Ramsey Guest Flag. Please be considerate and courteous of other owners rights and privilege to enjoy the lake. Guest watercraft must be properly licensed and insured in order to be considered for entry onto the lake.6.Do not operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do not operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.7.Make sure your watercraft's safety equipment is working properly. Make sure the boat and motor are properly matched. Guard against overpowering and under powering. Motor size must not exceed the boat manufacturer's rating.
Make sure your watercraft's safety equipment is working properly. Make sure the boat and motor are properly matched. Guard against overpowering and under powering. Motor size must not exceed the boat manufacturer's rating.8.Learn as much as possible about your watercraft, the water on which it operates and the weather which affects your craft. Respect wind, water and lightning they are unforgiving!
Learn as much as possible about your watercraft, the water on which it operates and the weather which affects your craft. Respect wind, water and lightning they are unforgiving!9.N\Make yourself a welcome member of the boating family by knowing and practicing the rules of the "nautical road". Learn and observe the federal, state and local laws governing boating.
N\Make yourself a welcome member of the boating family by knowing and practicing the rules of the "nautical road". Learn and observe the federal, state and local laws governing boating.10.Remember the mark of a real skipper is his alertness. Be extra watchful near other watercraft, swimmers, unfamiliar areas and in crowded waters. Always reduce speed near the shore.
Remember the mark of a real skipper is his alertness. Be extra watchful near other watercraft, swimmers, unfamiliar areas and in crowded waters. Always reduce speed near the shore.11.Think of safety and comfort of "the other fellow" and he'll do the same for you.
Think of safety and comfort of "the other fellow" and he'll do the same for you.12.Buzzing docks, swimmers and other watercraft is a dead giveaway that you're a "water cowboy" who doesn't know very much about watercraft --- "DON'T DO IT"
Buzzing docks, swimmers and other watercraft is a dead giveaway that you're a "water cowboy" who doesn't know very much about watercraft --- "DON'T DO IT"13.WATCH YOUR WAKE. It can cause trouble for smaller and lighter boats.*** REMEMBER that you are legally responsible for damage caused by your wake. When the lake is abnormally high, damage to lakeshore property can result from wakes. Please be extra careful during there conditions.
WATCH YOUR WAKE. It can cause trouble for smaller and lighter boats.*** REMEMBER that you are legally responsible for damage caused by your wake. When the lake is abnormally high, damage to lakeshore property can result from wakes. Please be extra careful during there conditions.14.Give wide berth to sailboats, canoes and peddle boats -- they ALWAYS have the right-of-way since you can maneuver faster and easier than they can.
Give wide berth to sailboats, canoes and peddle boats -- they ALWAYS have the right-of-way since you can maneuver faster and easier than they can.15.Stay with your boat if it capsizes. It's easier to spot a boat than a bobbing head.
Stay with your boat if it capsizes. It's easier to spot a boat than a bobbing head.16.Provide each passenger with a good life jacket.
Provide each passenger with a good life jacket.17.Don't overload your watercraft. A wise rule is one person per seat.
Don't overload your watercraft. A wise rule is one person per seat.18.Don't smoke when re-fueling. Be careful with matches.
Don't smoke when re-fueling. Be careful with matches.19.Keep a pair of paddles or oars and a bailing can on your boat.
Keep a pair of paddles or oars and a bailing can on your boat.20.Boats will follow a counter-clockwise direction.
Boats will follow a counter-clockwise direction.21.No Air Boats are allowed on the lake at any time.
No Air Boats are allowed on the lake at any time.22.Stop to render assistance to others in distress.
Stop to render assistance to others in distress.23.Please do not harass water foul, especially during nesting season.
Please do not harass water foul, especially during nesting season.HOLIDAYS and /or CROWDED WEEKENDS
24.Please limit the number of watercraft to two (2) per property owner.
Please limit the number of watercraft to two (2) per property owner.25.40MPH speed limit for all watercraft.
40MPH speed limit for all watercraft.26.Always maintain a safe distance from all other watercraft.
Always maintain a safe distance from all other watercraft.GUIDELINES FOR SKIING
1.Ski only in a counter-clockwise direction.
Ski only in a counter-clockwise direction.2.Do not tow a skier without an observer of at least 10 years or older in the boat in addition to the operator.
Do not tow a skier without an observer of at least 10 years or older in the boat in addition to the operator.3.Do not ski closer than 200 feet from shore or docks.
Do not ski closer than 200 feet from shore or docks.4.Follow all safety rules for your own as well as others protection.
Follow all safety rules for your own as well as others protection.5.Life preservers and/or vests are mandatory.
Life preservers and/or vests are mandatory.PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
For the personal watercraft operator, a collision with a boat or a fixed object offers the greatest danger. Collisions with fixed objects are avoidable by knowing the area. Keep a constant lookout for debris, submerged sandbars or other hazards and other boats.
Personal watercrafts are very maneuverable. An oncoming boat may not be able to turn quickly enough to keep from hitting you. This requires the personal watercraft operator to keep a constant lookout. You must check to see what might be coming up from behind or either side. If you are being overtaken, try to keep a straight, smooth course.
Don't plan to jump the wake of a passing boat. You might misjudge its speed and hit it. You might not see other traffic on the other side of the boat. You are the most maneuverable boat on the water. You have the responsibility to protect yourself from collisions.
WATER SKIERS
A personal watercraft is much more maneuverable than a boat towing a water skier. Stay out of the boat and skier's way. Keep away from the boat and skier. Keep a watch out for a skier in the water nearby.
A personal watercraft's maneuverability can make a water skier nervous. If you ride in an erratic or unpredictable manner, it will make a water skier uneasy. For their piece of mind and safety, stay as far away from other water skiers as possible. Never jump the wake of a boat towing a water skier, this is extremely dangerous for both the personal watercraft operator and the skier.
PULLING A WATER SKIER
For pulling a water skier, a three-seat personal watercraft is recommended. This will allow driver, observer and a seat for the skier. Your watercraft may handle differently when pulling a skier.
ROWBOATS, CANOES & KAYAKS
Wakes of any kind are a constant threat to small boats like rowboats, canoes and kayaks. What may to appear to be a small wake can capsize one of these small craft. This is especially true if the operator is not expecting it. Stay a reasonable distance from these small boats so that wakes will not create a problem.
FISHERMEN
As with most other water users, fishing boats should be given as much room as possible. They generally have lines out which can be damaged.
Anglers think noise scares fish, and other boats passing close by will ruin their fishing. Do not pass between a fishing boat and shore. That is probably where the angler's line will be.
A large wake can be disturbing or dangerous to a small fishing boat at anchor. When passing near any small anchored boat, slow down.
SWIMMERS
Keep an eye out for swimmers at all times. All that can be seen are their heads and sometimes splashing water. They are particularly difficult to see with sun and glare on the water behind them. Swimmers are extremely vulnerable and can be seriously hurt if a boat hits them.
Personal watercrafts are less likely to cut swimmer. However, a swimmer can still be injured by impact. Swimmers know this, and a personal watercraft in close proximity can make them nervous.
Never operate a personal watercraft above headway speed near swimmers. When launching and landing, keep your craft's speed down.
NOISE
Personal watercrafts are not excessively noisy but any powerboat operated in the same spot will produce enough noise to annoy others. Also, when a personal watercraft's pump comes out of the water, the noise and pitch of the engine fluctuate. If there are people on shore, vary your operating area every five minutes so the sound doesn't become an annoyance to others.
Excessive noise from personal watercraft makes them unpopular. Excessive noise comes from two primary sources: Exhaust modifications and too much riding/too many boats in one location. Don't modify your engine or exhaust if the result is more noise.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT GUIDELINES
1.Personal watercrafts are subject to the same laws and requirements as larger, more conventional boats. Personal watercrafts are not toys and should be treated as such. They are high-performance power products.
Personal watercrafts are subject to the same laws and requirements as larger, more conventional boats. Personal watercrafts are not toys and should be treated as such. They are high-performance power products.2.You are responsible for the safety of yourself, any passengers, anyone who operates your personal watercraft, the watercraft and any damage the watercraft's wake may cause.
You are responsible for the safety of yourself, any passengers, anyone who operates your personal watercraft, the watercraft and any damage the watercraft's wake may cause.3.Be thoroughly familiar with the way the boat handles. Know the stopping distances and turning radius. Avoid taking unnecessary risks that could endanger life, limb or property. You should know where you are and where you are going.
Be thoroughly familiar with the way the boat handles. Know the stopping distances and turning radius. Avoid taking unnecessary risks that could endanger life, limb or property. You should know where you are and where you are going.4.Do not operate a personal watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Do not operate a personal watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol.5.Each person operating or riding as a passenger must wear a PDF (Personal Flotation Device) at all times when riding.
Each person operating or riding as a passenger must wear a PDF (Personal Flotation Device) at all times when riding.6.You must have a Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher on board. It must be readily accessible.
You must have a Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher on board. It must be readily accessible.It is recommended that the following additional equipment be carried as well:
A.Visual distress signal (a piece of brightly colored cloth red, orange, yellow, etc.) to signal with.
Visual distress signal (a piece of brightly colored cloth red, orange, yellow, etc.) to signal with.B.Whistle or other sound-producing device.
Whistle or other sound-producing device.C.A length of rope for towing.
A length of rope for towing.D.Cleaned and gaped spark plugs and a wrench to install them. Some strong tape to make temporary repairs.
Cleaned and gaped spark plugs and a wrench to install them. Some strong tape to make temporary repairs.E.Eye protection water spray in your eyes can affect your vision. Wear glasses, goggles or wraparound eye protection.
Eye protection water spray in your eyes can affect your vision. Wear glasses, goggles or wraparound eye protection.F.Foot protection You should wear deck shoes or tennis shoes. These help you keep your footing and avoid scrapes and bruises.
Foot protection You should wear deck shoes or tennis shoes. These help you keep your footing and avoid scrapes and bruises.G.Gloves Gloves will help you hold onto wet controls. They can provide protection during docking and loading.
Gloves Gloves will help you hold onto wet controls. They can provide protection during docking and loading.H.Helmet A high percentage of injuries are head injuries.
Helmet A high percentage of injuries are head injuries.7.Operators and passengers should be competent swimmers. You should never travel farther from shore than you can swim.
Operators and passengers should be competent swimmers. You should never travel farther from shore than you can swim.8.When starting your watercraft, make certain you are in deep enough water. Be sure it is free of debris, weeds and trash.
When starting your watercraft, make certain you are in deep enough water. Be sure it is free of debris, weeds and trash.9.Keep a sharp lookout for swimmers, skiers, and other traffic.
Keep a sharp lookout for swimmers, skiers, and other traffic.10.Never pass between a skier and a boat.
Never pass between a skier and a boat.11.Unless accompanied on a two-person craft by an adult, children under 13 are not allowed to operate personal watercraft.
Unless accompanied on a two-person craft by an adult, children under 13 are not allowed to operate personal watercraft.12.Stop to render assistance to others in distress.
Stop to render assistance to others in distress.13.Exercise courtesy and common sense.
Exercise courtesy and common sense.SHARING YOUR PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
14.Many personal watercraft owners enjoy sharing their sport with family and friends. Before allowing others to operate your personal watercraft, be sure they have been properly instructed. Make sure they understand that a personal watercraft rider has to be as responsible as any other boater. The owner of the watercraft is liable for any damage caused by his boat, no matter who is driving at the time. Teaching new riders is an important responsibility. Your attitude towards safety can make a difference between a new, responsible rider and an irresponsible or unaware operator who can damage the sport.
Many personal watercraft owners enjoy sharing their sport with family and friends. Before allowing others to operate your personal watercraft, be sure they have been properly instructed. Make sure they understand that a personal watercraft rider has to be as responsible as any other boater. The owner of the watercraft is liable for any damage caused by his boat, no matter who is driving at the time. Teaching new riders is an important responsibility. Your attitude towards safety can make a difference between a new, responsible rider and an irresponsible or unaware operator who can damage the sport.15.Beginners should take their first rides in an area with few boaters and swimmers.
Beginners should take their first rides in an area with few boaters and swimmers.16.Make sure they understand the lanyard-type cutoff mechanisms, or idle-and-circle systems. These allow you to re-board the craft if necessary. Explain deep water starting and re-boarding procedures thoroughly while still on shore.
Make sure they understand the lanyard-type cutoff mechanisms, or idle-and-circle systems. These allow you to re-board the craft if necessary. Explain deep water starting and re-boarding procedures thoroughly while still on shore.17.Explain the basics operating features of the watercraft. Give instructions on how to start, turn the vessel and stop the engine if necessary.
Explain the basics operating features of the watercraft. Give instructions on how to start, turn the vessel and stop the engine if necessary.18.Be sure to explain where the vessel should and should not be ridden. Always maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet from docks and shoreline.
Be sure to explain where the vessel should and should not be ridden. Always maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet from docks and shoreline.19.Advise new riders to leave and return to shore slowly or if in a no-wake area. Beginners may not fully appreciate the importance and safety reasons of obeying no-wake restrictions.
Advise new riders to leave and return to shore slowly or if in a no-wake area. Beginners may not fully appreciate the importance and safety reasons of obeying no-wake restrictions.20.Emphasizing the need to stay alert on the water. Many beginners concentrate intently on operating their craft. They forgot to pay attention to their surroundings. This can be very hazardous. Always look around before turning or you could steer directly into their path of another watercraft.
Emphasizing the need to stay alert on the water. Many beginners concentrate intently on operating their craft. They forgot to pay attention to their surroundings. This can be very hazardous. Always look around before turning or you could steer directly into their path of another watercraft.21.Please do not harass water foul, especially during nesting season.
Please do not harass water foul, especially during nesting season.HOLIDAYS and /or CROWDED WEEKENDS
22.Please limit the number of watercraft to two (2) per property owner.
Please limit the number of watercraft to two (2) per property owner.23.40MPH speed limit for all watercraft.
40MPH speed limit for all watercraft. 24.Always maintain a safe distance from all other watercraft.
Always maintain a safe distance from all other watercraft.GENERAL LAKE USE
1.There are to be no trout lines, jug fishing or traps of any kind in the lake.
There are to be no trout lines, jug fishing or traps of any kind in the lake.2.Do not throw trash, cans or bottles into the lake.
Do not throw trash, cans or bottles into the lake.3.Placing of any foreign objects or obstacles in the lake is prohibited. Christmas trees or similar material for the purpose of creating fishing beds are permitted behind property, but only when properly secured, prepared and approved by the Lake Management Committee. Improperly prepared trees are hazardous to the lake environment, please be considerate and help keep our lake healthy.
Placing of any foreign objects or obstacles in the lake is prohibited. Christmas trees or similar material for the purpose of creating fishing beds are permitted behind property, but only when properly secured, prepared and approved by the Lake Management Committee. Improperly prepared trees are hazardous to the lake environment, please be considerate and help keep our lake healthy.4.Buoys are permitted and must be no greater than 100 feet from shoreline or dock.
Buoys are permitted and must be no greater than 100 feet from shoreline or dock.5.No swimming any further than 100 feet from shore at any point in lake.
No swimming any further than 100 feet from shore at any point in lake.FISHING
1.Fishing is excellent for bass, catfish, crappie and other pan fish. Fishing licenses are not required for property owners. Guest fishing is allowed only when property owner is present or property owner issues Lake Ramsey Guest Flag to guest.
Fishing is excellent for bass, catfish, crappie and other pan fish. Fishing licenses are not required for property owners. Guest fishing is allowed only when property owner is present or property owner issues Lake Ramsey Guest Flag to guest.2.When fishing behind homes, it is courteous to keep moving. Please respect the privacy of your neighbors.
When fishing behind homes, it is courteous to keep moving. Please respect the privacy of your neighbors.3.Slot limits There is a 13 - 17 inch slot limit on bass. (Any bass caught measuring between 13 inches and 17 inches must be released back into the lake) Any bass less than 13 inches must be kept. For any bass caught over 17 inches, there is a ONE FISH LIMIT per day.
Slot limits There is a 13 - 17 inch slot limit on bass. (Any bass caught measuring between 13 inches and 17 inches must be released back into the lake) Any bass less than 13 inches must be kept. For any bass caught over 17 inches, there is a ONE FISH LIMIT per day.THINGS TO REMEMBER
When out on the lake, remember you are sharing it with others. Keep a sharp lookout for other boats, skiers and other hazards. A little common sense will go a long way in preventing mishaps. It will make personal watercraft welcomer on the water.
Use the following tips:
1.Always operate your craft in accordance with the manufacture's recommendations.
Always operate your craft in accordance with the manufacture's recommendations.2.Never operate when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Never operate when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.3.Respect other's rights.
Respect other's rights.4.Do not modify your craft to increase sound level.
Do not modify your craft to increase sound level.A long day on the water in any type of boat will cause fatigue. The motion, sound and glare can reduce your reflexes to about the same level as someone who is legally intoxicated. Take breaks during the day. Slow down at the end of the day.
SAFE BOATING SAVES LIVES
Above rules are subject to change at any time, upon approval of the Board of Directors.
Owners will be notified ten (10) days in advance.
