Power Outage-Yeah!

No, it's not schadenfreude.  It's not joy over the misfortune of the blackout victims in the East.  It is the wishful thinking of many victims of the excessive power of PWC's, their power to disturb the peace of many on the shore or in other boats.  Unfortunately, it seems that PWC users are unaware of what happens when a majority of the people of a community complain about a nuisance.  Authorities look to additional regulations.  Last year PWC hours were shortened on Rock Lake.  There are lakes in Wisconsin where PWC's are not allowed after 3:00 p.m., and there is a proposal to require statewide licensing of all PWC operators. 

What can PWC users (and there are many considerate and responsible ones) do to avoid a clamor for further restrictions?  Self-regulate yourselves by using the middle of the lake (600 feet or so from shore) for the noisy bouncing that seems to be the thrilling part of jet-skiing.  If you see someone going back and forth in front of one shore, ride over to that person and remind him/her that it is that kind of activity that generates many complaints.  Chances are that not all PWC users are reading this.  If those of you who are will spread the word, you may avoid the public's push for "blackouts" of PWC power.

Making Waves, Aug.19, 2003

Johanna Chworowsky