Regulations on the lake

Something happened on my early morning lake paddle today that I’d like to bring up. Each summer I feel I need to get on the lake earlier and earlier and stay closer to shore to avoid boats. So, I do. While I was heading back to my starting point at 7 am, where Christina Creek meets the lake, one lone boat (the only one I saw) came from the north towing a skier and following close to the shoreline. I might have been 50 feet from the buoys at the nature park when said boat decided to cut between me and the buoys, turn, and cut back even closer. The skier did not lose any momentum, nor did anyone seem to acknowledge my existence standing on my board watching and waiting to see if I’d get hit by more than the wake. If the woman driver did not have sunglasses on, I’d be able to take a good guess at her eye colour. These were not young people like everyone likes to blame for everything, they were at least middle age. I was honestly shaken by this experience and am clearly upset by the negligence of boaters that I see much too often when it comes to giving paddlers and swimmers room at the south end of the lake. There is a WHOLE BIG LAKE out there. Why are they boating around such a sensitive ecological zone and area of potential congestion? Why are they allowed to? If the driver did not notice me, that’s worrisome. If she did and decided to do what she did by choice, well…I can’t publish those thoughts, but she and her group have ruined my respect for boaters and those who spend a short period of time here abusing the privilege of being able to enjoy such a beautiful place. I honestly hope there isn’t a tragic accident in the future, but I can’t say I’d be surprised if it happens. Some actual restrictions and laws for this lake may be the only thing that saves lives and stop it from becoming the free-for-all amusement park it does each summer. Non-boaters have just as much right as boaters to enjoy this lake anytime during the year.