Authority of Water Safety Personnel
Lifeguards on duty have complete authority over the beach and demarcated swimming area for which they are responsible. They may limit or deny use of these areas, or eject any unauthorized person or persons, or those violating Lake and beach rules. They may also act to protect the safety and welfare of those who are using the beach and swimming area in any way that is appropriate to that responsibility, but they do not have authority over, nor can they be held responsible for, any activity outside that specifically demarcated area unless such activity could reasonably be expected to threaten the welfare or safety of those using the beach and swimming area for which they are specifically responsible.
The duly authorized Water Safety Supervisor, or the person acting in place of the Water Safety Supervisor in the event of his or her absence from the premises, shall have complete authority to enforce Lake rules and regulations anywhere such enforcement is appropriate, including on the water, shoreline, boat ramps and other areas directly pertinent to Lake activity. Such enforcement shall include the right to eject unauthorized persons or those violating beach rules, and to request assistance from County law enforcement officials. LBA may take legal action against trespassers, persons destroying or defacing corporate property, and persons engaged in unlawful activities on the Lake, beaches and/or other corporate properties.
Beach Operations and General Swimming Safety Rules
* Lifeguards are provided at all five swimming beaches from late May through Labor Day, depending on the weather. Check with the LBA office and LBA Newsletter for actual starting days or time changes. LBA tags are required for beach use.
* Lifeguard hours daily are:
"Beach Closed, No Swimming" signs are posted at the beaches at all other hours, as well as during bad weather.
* Orange warning flags are displayed at the beaches for a day or two following heavy rains to warn of possibly higher bacteria counts.
* Children under 10 may not use the beaches unless accompanied by a resident adult or another child 12 or older who has beach privileges.
* Swimming lessons at the beaches may be given by qualified lifeguards when not on duty. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this inexpensive service to help assure the safety of their children through development of their water skills.
* Diving is not permitted in the demarcated swimming areas.
* Property owners/residents who have lake and beach privileges may host not more than eight guests (four per adult resident) at beach and swimming areas at one time. Gatherings of more than eight guests must comply with the Party-Specific Rules.
* Loud or boisterous conduct, or conduct which is objectionable or hazardous to property owners or other users of the lake and beaches is forbidden, and may subject offenders to prosecution.
* Boating and fishing are not permitted in the swimming area.
* Swimming and the use of the beaches is prohibited during hours of darkness.
* Rafts may not be permanently anchored in the lake.
* Except for seeing-eye dogs, pets are not permitted on the beaches at any time, and lifeguards are authorized to expel persons who violate this rule. Lifeguards are also authorized to have County officials take custody of any animal found roaming the beaches.
* Feeding of wildlife on the lake or in the vicinity of the beaches is prohibited. All wildlife must be respected.
* During the swimming season, fences are erected and removed by the lifeguards to keep geese and ducks from fouling the beaches. Residents must not remove these fences.
* Trash and refuse must be deposited in the containers provided for that purpose. The beaches and adjacent areas are to be left clean by those who use them.
* Alcoholic beverages and camping are prohibited on the beaches and adjacent areas, including parking lots. Picnicking and cooking are permitted only on the grassy area adjacent to the beaches.
* Deep-water swimmers outside the demarcated areas are advised to wear a bright cap, tow a visible float or other signal to alert boaters.
* Recognizing the dangers inherent in swimming outside of demarcated and guarded beach swimming areas, as well as the high probability of litigation in the event of accidental injury or drowning, Lake Barcroft assumes no responsibility for persons swimming outside demarcated and guarded areas.
* Swimming from common property docks, bulkheads, and lands other than beaches is PROHIBITED.
* The lifeguards may close the beach for swimming for up to 24 hours after heavy rainfalls due to elevated levels of bacteria and/or heavy debris.
Inherent Risks and Dangers of Recreational Waters
There are inherent risks and dangers attached to any activity in, or near a body of water. Lake Barcroft is no exception. The following list constitutes some of the risks and dangers that do occur, and for which the Lake Barcroft Association assumes no responsibility and therefore cannot be held liable. The Association maintains certain areas to which qualified lifeguards are assigned during limited times only. Some or all of the following life threatening situations can occur even in the presence of lifeguards. A partial list of inherent risks and dangers includes:
* Submersion due to inadequate swimming ability
* Heart attack, stroke or severe muscle cramps while in or near water
* Submersion due to a head injury resulting from collision with a boat, capsizing, or falling overboard
* Lightning strikes which make open water and beaches more dangerous
* Changing weather conditions
* Infants and young children left unattended on any lake shore, including the beaches, whether guarded or unguarded
* Diving from watercraft or docks without first checking water depth
* Irresponsible or incompetent operation of watercraft by adults and also children too young to handle this responsibility
* Swimming or operating watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
* Changing bottom conditions and depth
* Entanglement in submerged rocks, aquatic vegetation, structures, or debris
* Bites, stings, rashes, or other skin irritations from wildlife.