Don't let one special interest group further restrict water sports areas at Lake Havasu!

Murray, you could not have been present in "every single event" as there have been numerous "events"; at times there was only 1 boat or a number of jet skis present. Were you present every time an Officer issued a Citation in this area? Are you there 24-7, in the winter also, or just in Summer - sometimes? You need to go back and re-read the Navigation Laws. Taking something out of context will not justify dangerous bad behavior. These ski boats can maneuver all over this area - they may have to slow down - but THEY CAN MANUEVER, photos are proof. The law was not written to protect Skier's Rights, written for SAFETY. Their choice is the channel along shore. Evidently if you were not the one running down the kayakers, then you were not in this channel yourself, but in the "shallows" that supposedly the ski boats cannot navigate? Proof that boats CAN navigate elsewhere than "near shore". Then you must be in the photos. Also, these laws re: deep channel refer to large boats such as the Casino Boat in the Eng. Channel NOT in backwaters of a Wildlife Refuge. OH, and by the way it is illegal to ski in backwaters of the Wildlife Refuge. No exaggeration: Boaters are committing illegal violations - proof is in the Citations Issued. Do your research and suggest taking a US Coast Guard Safe Boating Class. Yes - a specific purpose "To Keep Alive and Not Be Chopped Up by a Propeller from a Ski Boat Violating Law". C'mon, now, admit that you are not being truthful. And, if you were present during the worst of these infractions that we are aware of, then you are guilty of "not rendering aid" as the kayakers were trapped by the ski boater's numerous passes, unable to get to shore, unable to paddle upstream fast enough to outrun this fast ski boat making numerous passes with NO OBSERVER (and if you were there then you must remember those words "Illegal") These "kayakers" stated they were "trying to leave". If that was you in the other boat, that told the kayakers "You Need T

PS to Murray The "kayakers" (and other paddlers) are only trying to "pass through" this area. Obviously paddlers do not move fast enough for your desires. Skiers are spending much time, hours, or all day there. clarifying: Illegal to Ski in the Backwaters of Refuge.

To B. Warner and Katie Liven; Wow, your exaggerations and dramatizations over this are staggering! I was there. I watched what happened from a distance of 20 yards or less. I spoke with this woman in the kayak that was so, so angry. Katie, if you are the other woman that was there in the other kayak, you know this is true so shame on you. I watched a woman in a kayak behave in a manner that I interpreted as illustrating her desire to exercise her 'right', as she interprets it, to the water she was on according to ARS 5-345-A. which states "The operator of a watercraft under power shall yield right of way to any craft not under power....." She did this while paddling on a 50 yard (+/-) wide channel that is deep enough for a kayak across its entire width but not a power boat. She chooses to paddle down the one side that is deep enough for a tow boat instead of the other 40+ yards of width, even after the danger and difficulty of her actions were explained to her (by me). Item 'F' of the same ARS 5-345 states "In every case, the operator of any watercraft shall use due caution to avoid an accident or collision with another watercraft or person." By the use of 'In every case' and 'any watercraft' this clause clearly supersedes Item 'A'. By continuing to paddle in the same manner after I had the conversation with her as she was before the conversation, with 40 to 50 yards of channel width as an option to her that larger boats do not have, she clearly and purposefully was in contravention of ARS 5-345-F. Myself, and the other water sports enthusiasts that I know, are not malicious, as you indicate or infer, and attempt to be courteous and conscientious. The rules and laws the govern traffic on the water need to rely on 'common sense' more than rules of the road as there are no painted lines and signals etc. What I witnessed was one person (in a kayak) creating a bad situation because she was focused on one clause of the law

What makes you think we need to rent a kayak or canoe? Is it that we are for sharing the lake? So you automatically assume we are just thug skiers? I know myself and many others on this public all OWN kayaks and paddle boards and use them regularly. Guess what there was a group that paddled paddle boards from Topock bridge to Windsor on Memorial Day about 3 years ago on a Saturday. We all used common sense and stayed to the side and where aware of our surroundings. Something I learned from a young age when my parents taught me how to cross a street. It was a fun trip and the scenery was amazing. We enjoy the people that's why I have chosen to raise my family in this small resort town that survives on tourism. I am also a native to Lake Havasu. I've been using speed alley for the past 20 years. My 70 year old father in law, my 9 year old son where up there 1 day before it was shut down. In 20 years I have not had a single conflict with anyone up there. Never stopped by any law agency up there. Of course I again use common sense everytime I'm on the lake no matter where I'm at. I do not need the government to come in and protect me or my family that's my job. Hopefully someday we can sit down and have a civilized conversation or even meet up on the lake and celebrate the love we all have for this place.

2 May 30, 2015 Commentor after commentor on this thread has referenced the fact that the main channel of the Lake has become unsafe for anybody not operating an 80mph powerboat. Agreed! We own a slower, smaller powerboat and we only go on the Lake between October and April because irresponsible power boaters have made this lake unsafe for families during the summer months. Here is a challenge to all who are clamoring for stripping away the safety regulations on the lake. Rent yourself a canoe and paddle down the River on the 4th of July. If you survive the trip, you have my respect as a boater and I welcome your input in this discussion. But until this lake is safe for everyone, we need to consider this and other restrictions.

Re open this area!!

Why were at it get rid of the buyos after Havasu springs. What's the point of those anyways?

Let's put it short and sweet. Dear Mayor; with all your due respect. Three. Words for you. LOVE,COMPASSION,COEXIST, We beg you in name of those people who by tradition. Look foward to SUMMER days at great. LAKE HAVASSU. P.S With liberty and justice for all ? and. ON GOD WE TRUST ??? Please. Re consider and open they're so egearly wanted spot. Thanks. Dear.Mayor.

no more restrictions please!

please don't close down the water.

I have been consistently wake boarding in the specific area of the lake, never have I seen kayakers over there. It's the safest place to ride on Lake Havasu. Everyone that uses this specific portion of the lake k led each other and rides with the most caution ever! Don't ruin the last safe place to wakeboard and water ski please!!!

This petition is based on fraud. No "small group of kayakers "exerted political influence" for "specific use". Bad Actors in your own group ie: "Skiers" brought attention to this area by repeated dangerous, illegal activity. Take Responsibility for your own Bad Actors. It is a shame, but THOSE SKIERS claimed ownership and refused to "Share". Actually, refused to even let Kayakers pass peacefully through. PS: Wondering just who has the"political influence" you claim?

What "kayak designated areas" are you referring to? The Backwaters of the Refuge are open to powerboats - just not wake. We have no knowledge of ANY area "designated for kayakers". There is the very small area at Mesquite Bay that is designated "non motorized" that is open to fishermen and all manual craft. Let's see, I know, paddle in small circles all day?

Yes - but not in the water chopped up by a propeller.

Safely = exactly. So you are voting for "unsafe" use?

Wrong. It is not safe for Paddlers to go out on this Lake many times. Read the previous comments for more factual info. Why vote on something you are ignorant of?

WRONG. The Safety Problem is when the skiers refuse to allow kayakers to travel safely. There is NO way a little paddle boat can safely cross in front of (in you voters own words) "congested boat traffic" at speeds fast enough to tow skiers! Think about it.

Dont close the ride spot!! Too many good memories there and it is the only safe spot on the river to teach the little ones to ski!!

Kayakers can find another spot. This is the best and safest spot for wake boarding and skiers.. Kayakers have enough areas, they don't need this one too!!

The Kayakers and PaddleBoards who take the time to understand how Waterskiers are using this area, understand the safety issues we are concerned about, and that there is ample space for them to use the straight as well. The problem arises when they choose to use the deepest area of the straight while a skier is in tow, or they choose to cut in front of a boat moving at high speeds.