Rafting Rules 2009

[The Filthy Oar]

Just called the Lake Shelbyville Project office to get a update on the rafting rules since we are once again coming up on another boating season.  They stated that the rafting rules will stay exactly the same as they were last year.  5 boats per raft without obtaining a permit and 150' from the next raft.  To read all of the rules from lst year go to http://www.boatshelbyville.com/news/?q=node/3

They stated that in 2007 they had more accidents on Lake Shelbyville compared to all of the other lakes in the state of Illinois.  In 2008 they only had one reported accident.  She stated that some people had the opinion that this low accident rate might've been due to the high water leading to deeper water and also leading to reduced amount of people visiting the Lake.  She also said the decrease could also be attributed to the increased Corp presence on the lake.  They are going to leave the rules in place to see if they had been the cause of the decrease.

All in all, she was incredibly friendly about explaining the rules and the reasons and was willing to answer any questions about the rafting rules.  If anyone has questions feel free to call the number at the bottom of the rules story or just post them and I will ask them if i happen to call again.

[coverunner]

Yes that exactly what I figured they would do on the rules. I know that my time at the lake has decreased. But it has nothing to do with the water level. I'm not going to worry about the rafting rules. When I want to tie up I'll just go to a different lake. Oh yeah I forgot I always want to tie up. Oh well.

[Mike]

A group of friends are planning a road trip to the lake from Rockford, about 5 boats, after reading all of the new rules I am having second thoughts about making the trip.

How restrictive are the rules?  Does the increased patrol border on harassment?

[The Filthy Oar]

I wouldn't really go so far as to say it borders on harassment but there is definitely an increased corp presence on the lake.  If you have 5 boats tied up and comply with the safety rules then there is no trouble.  The main thing that will draw attention is disobeying the 5 boat tie up rule.  If you are in a raft of 10 boats then you will most likely get a visit from the corp.

Sitting around in 5 boats tied up having a good time will not get you in trouble.  If they do come up to you they will probably just check to make sure you have lifejackets, extinguishers, etc.etc and then be on their way.  Of course if they see everyone on all of the boats are three sheets to the wind there is a chance they will set up shop outside of the cove and just grab ya on the fly by.  Just be sure to have a DD or plan on hanging out in the cove for the night.

The lake is still plenty of fun and with the high water the coves are deeper providing more places to tie up and enjoy the calm.  It is true the atmosphere has changed quite a bit with the new rules there are still plenty of people out having fun and enjoying the lake.