Culver Lake Patrol wants to promote safety  

Culver Lake Patrol is a private Police organization funded and supported by the Lake Maxinkuckee Association. Its officers are dedicated to serving the home owners of Lake Maxinkuckee, as well as the whole Culver Community. It provides patrols on the waters and along the roads around and adjacent of Indiana's 2nd. largest natural lake. Officers meet police training requirements as required by Indiana Law. Officers are also CPR, AED, and First Aid trained. They are also trained in water removal when spinal injury is suspected. Donations may be made by contacting the Lake Maxinkuckee Association Secretary

Keeping the water safe

Lake law enforcement prepares for season.
As the days begin to lengthen, life returns to Marshall County's lakes.

Spring peepers are chirping their froggy greetings from the shallows. Tender buds leap out in a green furze from the branches of trees and shrubs and trees lining the bank.

And that means that it won't be long until the other denizens of the lakes -- hordes of roaring speedboats, personal watercraft and pontoons full of joyous revelers -- will follow. When they do, the men and women responsible for policing those lakes will be ready.

"We've already been out doing some stuff with the fishermen," Brian Kaser, a conservation officer with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, said. "Once the weather warms up, they're getting out there."

This is the time of year when folks like Kaser, who is part of a contingent of DNR officers that conduct regular patrols of area waterways, start preparing boats and other equipment for a long summer of work enforcing laws and safety regulations for the thousands of people who come to the lakes for recreation.

And in some cases, they'll be testing out some new equipment. Chief Rich Sytsma heads up the Culver Lake Patrol, a force of officers deputized by the Marshall County sheriff who serve as a police force around Lake Maxinkuckee.

His officers are looking forward to keeping speeds down on the tight streets and roadways surrounding the lake with a new radar trailer that displays the speed of motorists on a bright electronic sign.

"We just got it, and it looks like it is going to be a pretty useful tool," he said. "We have everyone training to use it now."

Both Kaser and Sytsma said that preparation is key -- not only as their respective agencies prepare for the season, but also for boaters who are planning some days of fun on the water.

It's surprising, Kaser said, how many boaters forget the simple things to keep safe, such as bringing a life jacket for everyone in the boat, avoiding excessive speed, and making sure all gear is in repair.

"Some people forget the basics, and that's how they end up having problems," he said. "This is a good time of year to make sure you have everything ready."

That way, should a DNR officer or one from the Culver Lake Patrol make a routine safety check, there won't be any warnings or citations. And boaters may be seeing more officers this year, at least on Lake Maxinkuckee.

Sytsma said his department will be using some grant money to add an unspecified number of additional officers to his force, and is currently seeking applications from interested prospective officers. Potential applicants can call him at (574) 842-3675.

ADAM JACKSON
Tribune Staff Writer
South Bend Tribune - 9 April 2006



Training for safety to keep Lake Maxinkuckee users secure
CULVER - The Culver Lake Patrol wants to promote safety to residents and visitors on Lake Maxinkuckee.

In order to do so, the patrolmen have to be up-to-date on safety standards themselves, so they recently took part in training exercises provided to them by Kosciusko County Sheriff's Deputy Jon ‘J.T.' Tyler. Tyler also dubs as a patrolman on Lake Wawasee. He offers training sessions for other area lake patrols, where ideas and techniques are shared and assistance is offered.

“It's important to educate people on why it's a really bad idea to stand on the bow of the boat at 60 mph,” Tyler said.

The Culver Lake Patrol has taken part in a Department of Natural Resources grant, enabling them to receive the training. “What we do is look at other lake patrols,” Tyler said. “We learn and offer advice.”

What does Tyler see as the biggest issue with patrolling county lakes?

“Boating safety,” he said, “and reckless operation. We have to watch out for those inconsiderate operators who are careless of others.”

Tyler detailed eight main points to the Culver Lake Patrol, describing regulations, safety operations, violations and observations.

He said to keep in mind control when stopping someone on the water. “You have limited control on boats,” Tyler said. “It's not like a traffic stop where the vehicle is stopped on the side of the roadway. You don't have control of their boats. You don't have a lot of control over your own boat.”

He added that observation is key when issuing a stop, as well. “The most important part is the initial observations of violations,” he said.

In addition to common lake violations, Tyler suggested patrolmen be aware of additional violations.

“It's not often you'll find a guy hiding a .357 in his Speedo,” he laughed. “Obviously you need to keep your eyes open for any game law violations. Somebody might have a cooler full of undersized bass.”

Chuck Dilts said safety is the main goal for Culver's patrol. “We have the opportunity to make contact with property owners and boaters here,” he said. “We can educate them and point out violations.”

Dilts added, “We don't write many tickets, it's just an opportunity for us to make contact with people in the water and point out some things they may not realize.”

Rich Sytsma, Lake Patrol, added it's their mission. “Our goal is safety and security. We want the lake to be safe and fun for everybody.”

“People are selfish on the water,” Tyler said. “They don't care about others on the water. People need to understand the water is not theirs, it's everyone's.”

He added that idea helps keep safety a top priority. “This lake, in comparison to some of the lakes around here, is different. People consider this their lake - their playground. ‘That's my life, where I go to play,' is the way people think here. To enjoy this lake is to take pride and ownership of it. These guys take on a good responsibility of policing their neighbors here, and sometimes that's not an enviable place to be.”

Culver Lake Patrol members are: Rich Sytsma, Chuck Dilts, Bill Strong, Aaron Thompson, Ruth Dilts and Steve Coleman.

23 August 2006 - Plymouth Pilot News
By Maggie Nixon Managing Editor