Marine patrol flags hazards at Lake Stellacombe; asks parks advisory input

Marine patrol representatives described multiple safety issues at Lake Stellacombe and asked the parks advisory committee to review vessel-size restrictions and signage. A patrol officer said some homeowners have placed rebar in the water near stumps, producing prop hazards, and that newer boats create larger wakes that can damage docks and bulkheads. "You should be mindful of where those stumps are anyway, but we can't put rebar in stumps, either because then that opens liability to other people's vessels and damage," the officer said.

The patrol also reported significant noncompliance by paddleboard users with basic safety equipment. "About 90, 95 percent of people don't realize they had to have light vest and a whistle by state law," the officer said, and the committee discussed placing signs at beach areas and working through the parks advisory board to improve compliance. The police noted limited marine resources (funding from vessel registration dollars) and agreed to continue coordination with the parks department and the homeowners' association to reduce hazards and improve public education.