HOOFER OUTING CLUB LAKE RULES

  1. Obey the Boathouse lights and flags. Call 262-7445 for the Lake Mendota weather conditions (including current flag or light in effect).
    GREEN:
    No special restrictions.
    YELLOW:
    Possibility of storm or water less than 55 degrees F. Boating allowed only within an imaginary line from the tip of Picnic Point to the Tenney Park Locks. The yellow flag may be flown in conjunction with the blue or green flags.
    BLUE:
    Indicates heavy wind conditions. Lake Mendota is usually quite rough in this condition. It is recommended that inexperienced boaters do not go out. There can be no more than two people in a canoe, and boaters MUST KNEEL-- not sit -- in the canoe. Life jackets must be worn, and the yellow flag condition is automatically in effect for Outing Club boaters.
    RED AND BLUE:
    Decked boating is allowed in mooring area. No open boating is allowed.
    RED:
    No boating. If you are on the lake, return to the Boathouse.
    BLINKING RED:
    Imminent storm. Put on life jacket and go to the NEAREST shore.
  2. State Law requires that each boat carry one life preserver per person. There is a $30-plus fine if caught without them. Life jackets must be worn if you are a non-swimmer, if the water temperature is less than 55 degrees F., or if the blue or blinking red lights or flags are on. When worn, the life jacket must be SECURELY fastened.
  3. Stay with your boat if you capsize. It will float even when full of water. Wave your paddle in the air and the rescue service will come and pick you up.
  4. There's a load limit of three adults or two adults and two children in the canoes under green flag conditions. The limit is two people in blue flag conditions. At least one person in the canoe must have an Outing Club Lake Canoe Rating (LCR).
  5. Boating after dark is allowed only during authorized Outing Club moonlight canoeing. State Law requires all boats be lighted after dark. A flashlight (not bike light) should be flashed in the direction of approaching boats to warn them of your presence.
  6. Do not leave your boat at the mooring buoys. If unable to return your boat, call the Boathouse (262-7351). You are responsible for returning all club equipment.
  7. Swimming is not allowed out of Outing Club boats on Lake Mendota.
  8. All boating is to be done on Lake Mendota unless you are going on an Outing Club trip. Boats must be signed out at the Boathouse before you leave the dock.
  9. Decked boaters who have not passed the Rapids (R-l) Test must stay within the mooring area defined by the breakwater near the Red Gym and the M-20 sailboat pier.
  10. All decked boating must be done within the Yellow Line Zone.

GENERAL NOTE: You must have passed the Lake Test for the boat you are paddling to be allowed on Lake Mendota, or else be in a boat with someone who has.

FAILURE TO COMPLY with the Outing Club Lake Rules will result in the securement of the violator's membership card and privileges for up to two weeks. This penalty may be increased if deemed appropriate by the Water Safety Chairman.

WARNING: When water is below 55 degrees F, be aware of using proper protection against hypothermia. Don't overestimate your abilities in cold water.

HAVE FUN! You MAY beach your boat and have a picnic, party, go swimming, etc. The above rules are to protect you and the club.