An Oregon town has introduced draconian new rules after being forced to open its once-private lake to the general public.
The affluent enclave of Lake Oswego has established new rules governing public access to Oswego Lake following a court ruling that brought their decades of exclusivity for wealthy lakeside residents to a halt.
City officials revealed the restrictive measures during a City Council meeting on Tuesday, as reported by KOIN.
City Manager Martha Bennett outlined the regulations but critics say are designed to discourage outsiders from enjoying the beautiful waters.
The new rules prohibit the public from launching motorboats, sailboats, sailboards, personal watercraft, kiteboards, and most inflatable vessels at Lower Millennium Plaza Park, which is the main access point ordered open by the court.
Only swimmers and those with watercraft under 18 feet in length are allowed to enter the lake, and even then, they must use specific steps at Millennium Plaza Park.
The city specified that inflatables must also be approved by the United States Coast Guard.
This could effectively deter public swimmers as it’s a requirement many lake-goers might struggle to meet.
The council also decided that entry is permitted only from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
The City Council voted not to appeal the court’s decision but instead implemented these new regulations after a heated deliberation.
Hellbound and Down 