Beaver Lake Education

Water safety is important at this time of year, but many people don`t know who enforces what, or who to call in case of an emergency. Members of the Sheriff`s department, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Army Corps of Engineers and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission all stressed the importance of water safety and the rules all lake-goers need to be aware of at a town meeting Monday night. Members of the Association for Beaver Lake Environment, or A.B.L.E., organized the meeting in an effort to answer people`s questions and concerns. "With so much building, we`ve got to balance that with protecting our water and quality of life on the lake," said lake resident Diane Gately. The Army Corps of Engineers enforces federal laws on the lake, while the Arkansas Game and Fish and sheriff`s offices enforce state laws. The Coast Guard Auxiliary doesn`t have any legal authorties, but promotes boating safety and domain awareness. "One of the main laws they`ll be enforcing very heavily on the lake is life jackets on any child under the age of 13. If they`re 12 and under they have to be wearing a life jacket at all times," said Alan Main, commander of the Auxiliary. Lake officials say it`s important to understand the "rules of the road" and how to protect the lakes water quality. "There are problems as far as people that dont understand the rules, coming too close, making wakes, jet skiers coming too close to other boats," Main said.