Indian Lake is a beautiful place for boating and family fun. However, it's a good idea to remember that no matter how much boating experience you have, it never hurts to review a few basics before launching.
Safety Tips to Keep Your Family Safe
Be Weather-Wise
Because Indian Lake is shallow with large open zone areas, it can get rough quickly with changes in weather conditions. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.
Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
Being prepared for any possibility on the water is a big part of boating safety. By following a pre-departure checklist you can make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten. Here is a great one to print and use:CHECKLIST
Learn to Swim
A strong swimmer is a survivor. Local organizations usually offer training for all ages and abilities. Check to see what classes are offered in your area if you aren't comfortable in the water.
Use Common Sense
Extended sun and wind exposure causes fatigue
Slower boats have the right away
Operate at safe speeds—particularly in crowded areas. Observe Indian Lake's 10 mph speed limit for night boating.
Stay alert at all times
Steer clear of large vessels or watercraft which might be restrictive in stopping or turning.
Be conscience of buoys and other navigational aids
Don't Drink and Sail. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved. Studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind.
Designate an Assistant Skipper
Don't be the only one aboard who knows all aspects of handling and operating the vessel, and general boating safety. Should the Captain become injured or incapacitated in any way, it's important someone else can get everyone else back to shore.
Develop a Float Plan
Always be sure to let someone else—who will be on shore—know your float plan. This should include your destination, how long you anticipate being gone, names and phone numbers of all passengers, and boat details including communication equipment on board. Should you run into trouble, this will assist authorities in searching for you. Here is a map of Indian Lake to help you plan:MAP
Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
Don't become part of a tragic drowning statistic. Be sure all passengers on board are outfitted in properly fitted lifejackets. Children under ten years of age on a boat less than eighteen feet in length MUST wear a personal flotation device.
Take a Boating Course and Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
U.S.C.G. Auxiliary Offering Boating Safety Classes N.A.S.B.A. approved. Successful completion satisfies the State of Ohio educational requirements for boaters operating a powerboat faster than 10 hp. and born on or after Jan. 1, 1982.
The US Coast Guard offers complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations—take advantage of it!
DID YOU KNOW?
The cause of most deaths amongst boaters is capsizing, falling overboard, and drowning.
Be safe. Be smart. Stay Alive.
FYI:
Per the Indian Lakewebsite: There is no alcohol permitted on the lake. Patrol boats navigate the lake to help boaters, monitor speed, and look for safety violations. The Indian Lake Auxiliary Coast Guard is also available on weekends to assist boaters.
Central Ohio is full of amazing summer festivals for all ages and we're happy to promote some of these to the residents and visitors of our community. There's always something to do when you live in Logan County. Get out there and enjoy all the cultural entertainment offered in summer time!
If you enjoy the local happenings in central Ohio and Indian Lake, be sure to talk to one of our award-winning real estate agents about the best place to live in Logan County!
Summer is in full swing in Central Ohio and our locals can't get enough of the sunshine and great outdoors. When the winter is so long and cold, it's always nice to break the ice with some fun, family-friendly summer activities right here on home turf. Here are three of our favorites for you to consider. Whatever you do, get out there and have some fun in the sun!
Get on the Lake
Indian Lake offers a wealth of activity for the whole family. Swimming and enjoying the lakeside park areas are a great way to spend a few hours together without spending too much. For the more adventurous types, check out Spend a Day Marina for boat andwatercraft rentals. Nothing beats buzzing around on the lake with a Jet Ski or speed boat. If you're up for fishing there are some great spots around the lake for catching bluegill, yellow perch, and largemouth bass. From a boat or the shore, you're sure to get something on the end of your line.
Family Camping
The Welcome Woods Family Campground offers you and yours a chance to get outside and camp under the stars for a few days this summer. 18 acres of open land offers plenty of camping spots from the primitive setups, where it's just you and a tent, to recreational parking with water and electrical hookups. The campground is on the south side of Indian Lake so you can walk over for a swim or fishing, or just hang out by the fire pit roasting hot dogs and s'mores! The great outdoors is the iconic summer family experience.
Horseback Riding
Living in the Midwest has its own quaint country charm but nothing says America like a rural horseback tour. Our friends at Marmon Valley Farm off horseback riding adventures and trail rides, plus camps and lessons for all ages. Let your kids experience the wonders of a fully functioning farm with animals, pets, crops, and of course… horses!
Make memories to last a lifetime right here in Logan County.
There's nothing quite like a beautiful country home and good old-fashioned American hospitality to create an amazing vacation experience. Whether you're a local to the area and need a break from the norms of home or a visitor passing through Indian Lake, these bed and breakfast inns in Logan County represent all the rural beauty our community has to offer.
A unique, Victorian style country home nestled just west of Bellefontaine, the Whitmore House is renowned for its lavish delicacies andbreezy country atmosphere. They specialize in weddings and catered events that are looking for that romantic touch and even offer corporate event catering on the property. For couples looking to sample some of the homegrown hospitality of the Midwest, and see one of the most beautiful homes in Logan County, a stay at the Whitmore House for lodging and breakfast is ideal.
Another quaint country family
home offering genuine hospitality for Logan County visitors is the
Escape Route 508. A peaceful country bed & breakfast located in rural West Liberty, Ohio, this little gem is close enough to all the local attractions from Mad River Mountain to Indian Lake State Park. Get a sample of a family business that welcomes all with open arms.
Located in quaint Zanesfield Ohio, Myeerah's Inn Bed and Breakfast offers private guest rooms decorated with antique curios and vintage furnishings. Breakfasts are hearty country offerings and are served by candlelight or outdoors during the summer. The Inn caters to business luncheons and private events as well. Just another example of the homegrown country character of Logan County and the surrounding area.
If you fall in love with Logan County and decide to stay, as many have before you, there are some beautiful homes for sale in Logan County that we can help you find. Contact one of our award winning real estate agents for a tour.