BRIGHT WATER RULES & REGULATIONS FOR LAKE MATTHEWS

Revised May 14, 2007

General Rules and Regulations:

Lake Matthews is a tremendous asset to our neighborhood, and we ask you to observe the rules, regulations, and guidelines listed below. To keep the lakefront neat and clean for everyone, users are required to pick up debris and stow boats and accessories neatly to preserve the natural beauty for all to see. Remember, the lake is the ‘back garden’ for those who live on it, so please respect their privacy and property.

General

  1. Fishing, boating, and other uses of the lake and surrounding common areas are for the exclusive use of Bright Water residents and accompanied guests. Trespassers will be fully prosecuted.
  2. Swimming is NOT permitted in the lake at any time.
  3. Use of the lake and the surrounding common areas is at your own risk.
  4. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited.
  5. All children and non-swimmers must wear appropriate floatation devices when on or around the lake.
  6. Do not litter the lake.  All debris should be disposed of properly.

Storage

  1. Bright Water registration decals are required on all boats and are issued only to Bright Water residents. Please contact Darryl Pecquet at 770-982-5534.
  2. Unregistered boats will be removed at owner’s cost.
  3. Boats may only be stored in the designated storage area.
  4. Boats must be stored upside down and are to be sufficiently secured to a tree, a post, or a canoe rack to prevent unauthorized use.
  5. Canoes must be stored upside down on the canoe racks and must be secured in a manner that they can’t be partially removed from the rack.
  6. Boats are to be stored at least ten (10) feet from the shoreline and should not block the main pathway to the launch area.
  7. Dilapidated boats may be removed at owner’s expense.
  8. Neither The Bright Water Homeowners’ Association nor the neighborhood will assume liability for any loss, damage, or injury associated with resident boat storage in the common area. Rather, each boat owner assumes all risks related to storing his/her boat.

Boating/Fishing

  1. Boating is permitted at your own risk and liability.
  2. Boats are to be operated in a safe and careful manner. Operating a boat in a careless or unsafe manner will subject the user’s boat privileges to suspension or revocation.
  3. All boats must have a valid Bright Water decal.
  4. When in use, all boats must have one flotation device per person on the boat.
  5. Children under 12 or non-swimmers must be accompanied by an adult and must wear a life jacket at all times.
  6. You must be at least 12 years of age to use a boat on Lake Matthews unless accompanied by an adult.
  7. The only boat motors permitted are electric trolling motors.
  8. After fishing, please retrieve all hooks, weights and line from the fishing area for the safety of others and for the well being of the wild life.
  9. Boats shall comply with all state and federal safety regulations for sea worthiness and approved flotation devices.
  10. Lake use is limited to 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  11. Trotlines, unattended hang lines, and fish traps are prohibited.  
  12. Gill netting or using any type of net to obtain game fish is prohibited.  
  13. Selling or charging for access to the lake is prohibited. 
  14. All boaters must remain seated at all times (except experienced fishermen).
  15. Do not bump other boats.
  16. There is no through access on the dam; trespassing in this area is strictly prohibited.

Dock & Shoreline

  1. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and must wear a life jacket at all times.
  2. Horseplay of any kind is prohibited.
  3. Bank fishing is only permitted in the common area unless you have prior permission from a lakefront homeowner to use his/her private property.
  4. Landing and departure is not permitted from any location other than the dock area or the boat storage launch area, with the exception of lakefront property owners at their own shore.
  5. Illegal fireworks are strictly prohibited.

WARNING: HOA shall be held harmless for any accident that may occur while you are using the Lake.  Homeowners, their families, and houseguests may use the Lake for fishing and boating, but always at their own risk.

THESE RULES ARE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND PLEASURE.
VIOLATORS MAY BE BANNED FROM THE LAKE.