Summer will be here in no time and, even now, the activity on and around the lake is on the rise thanks to a warm spring. Please keep in mind that you share the lake and all of our roads with others and that many, including me, are not impressed with your sense of urgency. This is a small lake and a small community and it typically doesn't take very long to see most of our City by car, boat, bike or even by foot.

We all need to slow down — physically and emotionally. The buzz and development surrounding our City is very intense and every one of us can relish the fact that we have a place that offers some of Atlanta's most beautiful views, the cool canopy of shade trees and, for those who choose to join the BLHA, a pristine lake.

For those of you who boat our fair lake, you know that it really doesn't take long to get from one end of the lake to the other while observing the"No Wake" rule. However, it does take a lot of hard work and a lot of money to remove incidental siltation from the lake from those who are speeding and creating a wake. Secondary to safety, that is the real reason our early leadership created rules against speeding on the lake. Every wake from your boat causes shoreline erosion, which becomes silt in our lake. The speed limit also reduces noise and chemical pollution from your boat engine. Any reckless operation of a watercraft or excessive speeding is punishable by revoking the license to operate a boat on Lake Berkeley.

Please keep in mind that the maximum permitted speed on our small lake is 5mph and an even more recognizable limitation is that"NO WAKE" is permitted behind your boat. Simply look behind you and if you see a wake, remember that you are creating an expensive problem for your community.

Thanks to all of you for helping make this a safe, fun-filled season. I look forward to seeing you at our BLHA events and around the lake.

As a reminder, here are some of the rules to keep in mind:

• There are night-swimmers who have complained about fast moving boats. Believe it or not, they are out there on many nights. Slow down and watch for swimmers at night.
• All boats must be licensed by the BLHA. Boat licenses will ONLY be issued for boats that are owned by current members of the BLHA or deed covenant property owners. The license fee is $25.00 and the license in NOT transferable. If a boat is obtained which already has a license, please call Tod Senne 770-446-1352 and notify him that you are the new owner so we can update our records. Canoes and kayaks must also be licensed. Basically, if it floats, you need to register it. This helps us keep non-residents and non- members from trespassing.
• The Georgia Department of Natural Resources requires that all unsupervised boaters between the ages of 12 and 16 must have a current Georgia Boater Education Card, which is also referred to as the Georgia Boating License, on board when the vessel is underway,
• A guest using BLHA property must be accompanied by a member or have a current BLHA GUEST card on his or her person. Don't put your guests in a position where they will be escorted from BLHA property.
• Security gates at the beach and Chapel areas are opened around 9:00 am and are closed at sunset.
• There is NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY. Swimming is at your own risk and an adult must accompany children. Please use the buddy system when swimming.
• The BLHA requires compliance with Coast Guard requirement of having on-board at least one Coast Guard approved life preserver for each occupant of the boat at all times when operating on the lake.
• Towing persons or objects behind a boat on the lake constitutes reckless operation of a craft and may be punishable by revoking the license to operate a boat on Berkeley Lake. An exception to this rule is another boat in distress and requiring assistance.
• When a boat is bought or sold, please inform TodSenne 770-446-1352 or via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for the purpose of updating records, registering your watercraft and paying the $25 fee.
• Vehicles parked on BLHA property must display a 2006 BLHA decal.
• Excessive noise, fire, glass containers, fireworks, pets or littering are strictly forbidden at the beach and other designated recreational areas.
• Boats must have lights on at night.