The following basic rules governing the lake and the recreation areas are for the safety of BLHA members, guests and the facilities.
Access and Key Fobs
- Use of the beach area and picnic grounds is limited to members of the association and their guests. Simply being a resident of Berkeley Lake does not entitle one to the use of the area. Shoreline property owners who are not BLHA members may not use the beach area and picnic grounds.
- You must carry your key fob to access these facilities.
- Guests must be accompanied by the member; immediate family and/or caregivers may use the facilities with your permission and be in possession of your key fob. You are responsible for the conduct of anyone with your key fob.
- The key fobs are tied to the household it was issued to, and entry into the beach area via the fob is logged. If violations occur at the beach, the access log will be reviewed. As such, if you lose your key fob, witness a violation of rules, or find a mess at the beach when you arrive report it to the BLHA board.
We feel privileged to offer a clean safe beach for BLHA members. There are several security people who will enforce our members-only policy, but it is the responsibility of all members to keep our facilities safe. Please carry your fob and don’t be offended when asked for a fob by other members. This helps make it safe for everyone. Members should feel comfortable asking trespassers to leave. Do not open the gate for people without fobs.
Beach Rules and Safety
The beach is a shared space, meaning that it is intended for open access by BLHA members. As such, no formal or informal reservations are allowed. For reserved events, the picnic area is the appropriate venue.
- Rule of Ten. Regardless of the number of BLHA member households no event/gathering should have more than 10 (total) non-member guests.
- Rule of Five. Regardless of the number of BLHA member households no event/gathering should have more than 5 vehicles parked in the beach parking lot.
- No Reservations. The pavilion at the beach is designated as a shared space and cannot be reserved for the exclusive use of any group or gathering. This includes placement of decorations/signage, unattended chairs, coolers and other supplies to block usage for other members.
- Children should always be accompanied by adults.
- No pets, dogs, cats, etc. are allowed at the beach.
- No walking on the dam. Trespassing on the dam area is unlawful and subject to a fine.
- No littering, glass containers, illegal drug use, loud music, illegal weapons, obscene behavior, nudity on the beach at any time.
- No alcohol consumption by minors will be tolerated.
- Residential use of beach trash receptacles is strictly prohibited.
- No camping on the beach area, with the exception of BLHA sanctioned events.
- Noise ordinance in place from 10 pm to 9 am.
- Clean up after yourself and your guests; pick up all your belongings, towels, chairs, toys, etc.
Swim Safety Rules
- Swimming is at your own risk. There is NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.
- Parents, watch your children at all times; it only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown.
- All children under the age of 13 and anyone who is a marginal swimmer, swimming outside of the roped off swimming area, should wear a life jacket. Lake visibility is far less than in a pool and it is suggested that you take additional safety precautions in the lake due to these differences.
- Always swim with a buddy, never swim alone.
- Avoid swimming in the areas on both sides of the roped off swimming area, as these areas are designated for boat parking.
- Extended breath-holding activities are dangerous and should be discouraged
- Be aware of submerged hazards such as rocks, wooden structures and metal objects.
- Dive at your own risk off of swim platforms, check the depth and for obstructions before jumping or diving due to above mentioned submerged hazards.
- No roughhousing on the swim platforms.
- Platform ladders should not be played with or on. Ladders should remain in the water when there are swimmers in the area; these ladders raise only to allow them to dry and not collect slim when not in use.
- Beware of and avoid (if possible) snakes that may be present in the area.
- Dial 911 for emergencies.
Kayak and Canoe Storage Rules
The rules and liability waiver for the BLHA Kayak / Canoe Storage Rack are available in the document box under Organizational Documents.
Garden Rules
Guidelines and rules for the Berkeley Lake Organic Community Garden are available in the document box under Organizational Documents.
Other Rules
- Vehicles, trailers or boats may not be parked on BLHA property without BLHA board written authorization. However, a resident may choose to moor or dock their craft(s) on the lake, directly adjacent to their own private property.
- No homeowner may permanently moor an object in Lake Berkeley more than 25 feet from the shoreline. Any item that is temporarily moored in the lake must be moved to the shore by sunset to avoid navigational hazards which could cause injury or damage. The BLHA board can designate areas to permanently locate mooring buoys to ensure the protection of underwater reefs (fish habitat).
- BLHA board can designate areas to moor floating platform to facilitate the use of the lake for kayaks and canoes along with enhancing the enjoyment and safety for swimmers. Platforms will be marked with reflective material and may be moved to areas adjacent BLHA facilities in the offseason.
- Property owners making repairs (impacting shoreline) must contact the BLHA board in writing to inform of changes being planned. Shoreline cannot be extended into the lake. The property line demarcation point between BLHA and the shoreline property owner is considered as the high water mark, at full pool elevation 976.6 feet. (Amended 2014)
- Non-encapsulated foam used for floatation is eliminated from the lake. The requirement is for all floating docks/walkways to replace this type of product with encapsulated foam. The non-encapsulated foam is “environmentally unfriendly” as it breaks down and is considered unsafe for the ecosystem. (Adopted 2008)
- Evasive water plants are not allowed to be placed in the lake. Any plants growing in the water along the shoreline are subject to be removed unless the BLHA board has granted an exception. (Adopted 2008)
- Homeowners are encouraged not to use non-aquatic approved chemical along the shoreline to limit the impact to the ecosystem. (Adopted 2008)
- Firearms are not permitted on BLHA facilities (lake/beach/picnic grounds). Firearms may be securely locked in vehicles located in the beach and chapel parking areas.
Upon violation of any of these rules, the following steps will be taken:
- 1st Occurrence – written or verbal notice sent to the member and recorded in BLHA meeting minutes. Written notice to be kept on file with the Board of Directors. This notice will be a review and conclusion of the findings and will never expire. Depending on the severity of the findings, no loss of beach privileges. Should the Board decide the violation severe, it may impose loss of beach privileges.
- 2nd Occurrence – written notice sent to the member and recorded in BLHA meeting minutes. Member attendance at the next monthly meeting may be requested. BLHA privileges may be restricted. Written notice that your beach access will be suspended for not less than 30 days. This notice will be kept in a file and not expire. BLHA key fobs will be deactivated. The Board of Directors will review and reserves the right to further actions.
- 3rd Occurrence – written notice sent to the member and recorded in BLHA meeting minutes. Member attendance at the next monthly meeting will be required. BLHA privileges may be restricted or revoked. Written notice that your beach access will be suspended for not less than one year. This notice will be kept on file and not expire. BLHA key fobs will be deactivated. The Board of Directors will review and reserves the right to further actions.