Freedom Of The Seas - Or Lakes

Posted: November 10, 2009 at 3:52 a.m.

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SPRINGDALE — We oppose more government regulation as a rule. We oppose a “nanny state” out of principle.

But we also support the right of boat owners to dock and depart in their craft without having to worry about the lack of caution by others.

Therefore - on balance - we support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decision to enforce “No Fishing” and “No Swimming” restrictions at marinas on Beaver Lake.

Problems at other corps lakes in Arkansas led, the Little Rock office of the engineers to this decision, but we support consistency and equal protection under the law too.

Fishing, swimming, diving, jumping or wading will not be allowed within 50 feet of a marina.

Signs will go up by March 1. Rangers will get authority to write citations. Violators will be charged fines.

Simply put, marinas are high-traffic areas.

While any responsible boat owner should always be on the lookout for swimmers and fishing lines, it is unfair to open the landing where they enter and leave the water to all parties.

We do not want boat owners launching their craft into the lake from swimming areas. The same principle applies the other way around.

We believe there is enough access to the lake for swimmers, waders and anglers that this policy will not be an undue burden.

After all, the complaints that brought it about mainly come from seven other corps lakes.

However, we are anxious to see if these new restrictions cause any problems, particularly for the physically handicapped. We encourage the corps and the public to consider those cases if they come up.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 11/10/2009

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