Canadian Lakes Safety

KRISTIN WILCOX Safety Director kwilcox@clpoc.org Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer! As we welcome the sun and warmer temperatures our population once again begins to swell, and thoughts turn to boating, beaches, and BBQ. I thought I would take the time to speak about some summertime issues that pop up from time to time.

Driving in the Community

The speed limit within Canadian Lakes is 25 mph unless otherwise posted, such as the campground where it is 15 mph. We need to remember that our community is full of both the young and the old, this necessitates the monitoring of the speed in our community. This spring and summer your safety team will be deploying our speed sign to help with this issue. As we can better identify the problem areas in the community, it will allow your safety team to put in place possible solutions. However, the speed sign is not the only solution to the problem, we as members can make sure that we are following all traffic safety laws while driving on our roads.

Dog Laws

Many of us are dog owners and there is nothing better in the summertime than strolling along the street on a warm summer day with your dog. Here in Canadian Lakes, we have simplified things by adopting the Michigan Leash Law. All dogs six months and older must be licensed in the county which the owner resides, the owner must be able to show proof of license when asked by a person authorized to enforce this. All dogs when off the owner’s property must be on a leash, when on the property must be always under control of the owner. When walking your dog in Canadian Lakes it is required that all waste be bagged and properly disposed of. Just a friendly reminder dogs are prohibited from all beaches in Canadian Lakes unless otherwise posted. If your dog becomes separated from you and you need assistance locating, please contact your Safety Team as we now have two kennels to house any lost pets. If you find a lost dog and would like assistance in finding the owner, please contact your safety team.

Boater Safety

With the boating season ramping up, I want to mention that anyone planning on driving a boat on any Canadian Lake this summer born after 1978 is required to complete a boater safety course. Any persons born after June 30, 1996, is required by law to carry their boater safety card with them when operating a motorized watercraft. Thanks to advances in technology, it is even easier to obtain your boater safety card. You no longer must attend a class in person although many communities still offer them. Here in Michigan, you can find an online version by going to boat-ed.com.

As always, we on the safety team want to thank the wonderful volunteers of Mobile Watch; without your dedication our job would be much more difficult. Your safety in the community is our top priority!

Kennel