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Lake Rules & Stewardship – For GMSC Sailors

 

Lake Maumelle is more than just our sailing home — it provides drinking water for over 500,000 people in Central Arkansas. Because of this, Central Arkansas Water (CAW) sets rules to protect the reservoir. GMSC members, guests, and visitors are responsible for following these rules every time we sail.

Key Rules for Sailors

 

1. No Swimming or Recreational Body Contact

Swimming, wading, water skiing, paddle boarding, or any other recreational activity that puts people or pets in the water is not allowed.

For essential training and safety purposes, GMSC may obtain approval from CAW for activities where body contact is unavoidable, such as:

  • Sailing class instruction (e.g., teaching capsize recovery).

  • Man-overboard drills.

 

3. Launch Only at Designated Ramps

All boats must use approved public launch points.

4. Boat Inspections & Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species

All boats are subject to inspection for invasive species such as zebra mussels. Members must also take steps to prevent the introduction of invasive species when bringing boats, trailers, or gear from other lakes or regions.

Before launching at GMSC:

  • Clean – Remove all visible plants, mud, and animals from boats, trailers, and gear. Pay special attention to anchors, lines, and trailer bunks.

  • Drain – Empty all water from bilges, live wells, bait buckets, and motors before leaving the previous body of water.

  • Dry – Allow boats and equipment to dry completely (at least 5–7 days when possible) before launching in Lake Maumelle. 

  • Inspect Gear – Check paddles, life jackets, waders, and other equipment for plant fragments or residue.

Invasive species spread quickly and can cause long-term damage to Lake Maumelle’s ecosystem and water quality. By following these steps, we protect our sailing waters and the community’s water supply.

5. Sanitation & Waste

  • Portable Toilets – Empty portable potties into toilets in the clubhouse restrooms.

  • Holding Tanks – Boats with holding tanks must use the GMSC pump-out boat. Waste must always be disposed of properly — never into the lake, along the shoreline, or in wooded areas.

  • Pets – Members and guests must clean up after their pets. Bag and remove pet waste — never leave it on club grounds or near the shoreline.

6. Trash Disposal

Take your trash home. The club does not provide general trash containers for member or guest use, except in restrooms and common areas. Trash containers are provided for organized events.

7. Protecting the Shoreline & Woodlands

  • Removal of trees or altering the shoreline or wooded areas is prohibited unless authorized by the Club Commodore.

  • Camping, fires, vandalism, and unauthorized removal of natural materials are prohibited.

  • Respect all signs and restricted areas.

Other Activities

8. Camping & Fires

  • Camping is prohibited except in CAW-designated areas.

  • Open-air fires are not allowed, except in CAW-approved facilities or personal grills during permitted conditions.

9. Boat Length & Motors

  • CAW restricts boating to vessels at least 14 feet in length (except canoes and kayaks).

  • GMSC holds waivers for smaller training boats such as Optimist prams and Sunfish, which are used by club members.

  • If you have questions about boat eligibility, consult the Club Commodore.

10. Vehicles & Equipment

  • ATVs, dune buggies, and e-bikes are not allowed on CAW property.

  • Fireworks, unauthorized advertising signs, and airboats are prohibited.

11. Hunting & Fishing

  • Hunting and fishing are only permitted under Arkansas Game & Fish Commission rules.

  • Hunting is prohibited on lake islands and within restricted areas.

  • Adding brush or materials for fish habitat, commercial nets, or similar devices is not allowed.

How You Can Help

  • Know the rules → Review and download the complete CAW Lake Rules.

  • Set an example → Remind your crew and guests about CAW lake rules.

  • Pitch in → Volunteer for our annual Lake Cleanup and other stewardship projects.

  • Stay alert → Report unsafe conditions or concerns to our CAW Liaison – Leland Sykes.

Stewardship at GMSC

By following the rules and volunteering for stewardship efforts, you help safeguard Central Arkansas’s drinking water supply and ensure Lake Maumelle remains a clean, safe place to sail for generations to come.