White Meadow Lake

2024 Lake Rules & Regulations

​
1. ONLY ONE (1) DOCK & ONE (1) ON-LAND SPOT PER RESIDENCE.
2. BADGES. No one will be permitted to use the lake for boating or swimming unless they have a CURRENT POA Membership Badge. Please take a phone photo of your badge with the current year’s sticker. A guest must be accompanied by the property owner they are visiting and must have their guest pass punched by the POA representative.
3. The use and placement of boats on White Meadow Lake is at the residents own risk. WML is not responsible for damage to any boats or trailers left on POA property.
4. LIFE PRESERVERS. Children 12 years of age and under in all moving boats MUST WEAR U.S. COAST GUARD approved life preservers at all times.
5. BOAT OPERATORS and their boats must comply with Town Ordinances, State of NJ Regulations and Inland Rules of the Road. Reference: HIGHLIGHTS OF LOCAL ORDINANCES & STATE LAWS GOVERNING BOATING ON WML.
6. A NJ DMV BOAT REGISTRATION is required for ALL GAS and ELECTRIC powered boats. Maximum Boat Length is 16 ft. Maximum Horsepower is 9.9 HP. Any boat operating after dark must display proper lighting under NJ State Boating Law. Operating of GAS motors on the lake is prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am.
7. Operators of power boats, gasoline or electric, must possess a valid NJ BOAT OPERATORS LICENSE and must be safety certified under the State of NJ Certification Program (Boat operators Certificate). NJ BOAT SAFETY CERTIFICATE Online Training: http://www.njsp.org/marine-services/boatingsafety-certificate.shtml
8. BOAT PROHIBITED AREAS. Observe water buoys for boating. Boat docking in designated areas only. Boats are prohibited in the swim lanes. Boats must stay at least 50 feet from shore property, private swimming areas and the ropes at the POA beaches.
9. EVERY BOAT USED IN WML must be registered with the POA and display the current year Boat Tag. Boat trailer & boats kept on private property must display a valid WML boat tag while on the water EVEN IF YOUR BOAT IS NOT STORED/ DOCKED ON WML PROPERTY.
10. PRIVATE DOCK IDENTIFICATION. Your street address must be prominently displayed on your dock. If your dock breaks away from its mooring, POA must be able to identify the owner for retrieval.
11. DOCK & RACK ASSIGNMENTS. POA boat docks and rack assignments are issued yearly. All dues must be paid in full. Only 1 Dock and 1 Land space per residence. ONLY 2 BOATS PER RACK are allowed.
12. BOAT TAGS. Boat Tags must be displayed or POA Security will padlock the boat until the proper tag is visible. Your boat tag is for your personal use only. Boats must be stored in their assigned spots. Boat Tags should be placed in the following manner: Sunfish type sailboats & Kayaks — place on top of deck, right rear All other boats — on starboard (right) side of the boat near rear, on outside of boat.
13. OCCUPY DATES & REASSIGNMENT OF BOAT SPOTS. All boats must be in their assigned space by May 28, 2024. Spaces not occupied on/or after may be reassigned upon a resident's request for the vacant space. The Office will email the vacant space holder to advise them reassignment will be done, if after one week the space is not occupied. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. NO Waiting List will be maintained.
14. FALL REMOVAL OF BOATS. Boats and Trailers must be removed no later than November 4, 2024 or the resident will incur a $100 fine per boat or trailer, in addition to a $10 penalty per boat/per day per the WML Administrative Guidelines. The boat will be towed to a storage facility at your expense.
15. Residents may SWAP SPACES after notifying the office and obtaining a replacement boat tag for the new space assigned.
16. HANDlCAP accessible boat spaces will be available at all locations. A NJ issued Handicap ID is required.
17. BOATS USED OUTSIDE OF WML - Both your boat and trailer must be cleaned after it has been in another body of water before putting it back into WML.
18. SWlMMlNG is allowed in POA designated beach areas and within 10’ of your boat or 25’ of your lakefront property.
19. HYDROPLANES, WATER SKIING, JET SKIS. Hydroplanes are permitted ONLY if they are equipped with a dead man's stick. Water skiing and jet skis are not permitted (standing rider). Aquaplaning is permitted only on the east end of the lake off the Clubhouse shore.
20. GAS TANKS, BAILING OF BOATS AND POA DOCK USE. Gas tanks are NOT allowed to be stored on boats, with the exception of pontoon boats. The POA has the right to impound any gas tank that is left in your boat or floating in the water. Boat Owners must bail boats after rain storms. Boat canopies must be down and stored at all times when boats are at POA docks.
21. WML POA PADDLEBOAT USE. Paddleboats are available for resident use during the summer season at BEACH 1. Residents wishing to use the paddleboats must be at least 16 years of age or accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. The lifeguard on duty will hold your current membership badge while the boat is in use. Membership badge will be returned to resident upon returning the paddleboat and locking it up in the same condition in which it was taken out. Residents may use the boat on an hourly basis. The resident must return to Beach 1 to make sure no one else is waiting. If not, the paddleboat may be checked out again.

All Lake Rules regarding boating are in force while using the paddleboats. Life jackets must be worn at all times. No standing on the paddleboat. Any report of horseplay will result in no further use of the paddleboats.

HIGHLIGHTS OF LOCAL ORDINANCES & STATE LAWS GOVERNING BOATING ON WML TOWN ORDINANCE: A Rockaway Township Ordinance regulates the size of boats to a maximum of sixteen (16) feet and outboard motors to 9.9 HP Violations of this ordinance could result in a fine not exceeding $100.00, thirty (30) days in jail or both.

STATE LAWS & REGULATIONS:
1. All motorboats must be registered with the State of NJ and display the identification number on each side of the bow in block characters. The characters must be in good proportion and not less than three (3) inches in height. The color must be in contrast with the background.
2. The operator of a power boat (gasoline or electric) is required to be licensed. Licenses must be available for inspection on demand while in operation. Applications for boat registration and license are available at all DMV offices.
3. All individuals must have successfully completed a state approved boat safety course before operating a power boat.
4. Persons 12 years old or younger may not remain on board any moving vessel (except short-run ferries and large commercial vessels longer than 65 feet) unless they are wearing a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
5. Persons under 13 years old may not operate any power vessel.
6. Persons 13 to 15 years old may operate a vessel powered by an electric trolling motor, or vessel 12 feet or longer powered by less than 9.9 total HP, if they have successfully completed an approved boating safety course and have the certificate in their possession.
7. Persons 16 years or older may operate any recreational power vessel. Persons operating on non-tidal waters must also carry a New Jersey boat license.
8. For current boating safety education and minimum age mandatory requirements, please visit www.njsp.org.
9. Upon completion of an approved boating safety course, the operator must carry the certificate whenever operating the vessel. The certificate must also be presented upon application for a boat license.
10. Power boats must display at sundown a combination red/ green light on the bow. This light must be visible 20 points. The boat must also display on the stern a white light visible 32 points. The white light must be higher than the red/ green and visible for two (2) miles. Row boats, canoes and sailboats must have ready at hand a white light which can be temporarily exhibited.
11. The discharge of any waste, debris or refuse or any other matter or material into the Lake is prohibited.
12. Speeding, racing or careless handling of a power vessel can result in the revocation of your boating license.

​

RULES OF THE ROAD:
1. Boats on your right (starboard beam) have the right of way.
2. Boats approaching each other head-to-head are required to pass each other by swinging to the right.
3. A boat overtaking another boat must give way to the boat it is overtaking.
4. A sailing vessel has the right of way over a motor vessel in all situations. A sailing vessel must not tack suddenly, without due warning, in front of a motor vessel so as to endanger the motor vessel.
5. The right of way between two sailing vessels is determined by the direction of the wind in reference to the boat's direction at the time. The right of way is given to the vessel on the starboard tack (having wind over her starboard side), regardless of the point of sailing. If two vessels are on the same tack, the leeward boat is privileged (has the right of way).

BEACHES:
1.When entering the beaches, members must show their current POA badge. Guests are to be accompanied by a badge-carrying member and a guest pass number will be hole punched for each guest ages five (5) and over. Maximum of 10 guests allowed per day. If any White Meadow Lake residents are bringing more than 10 guests to the beach, they are required to reserve the pavilion by filling out a facility use form in the office.
2. Any person showing evidence of skin disease, sore or inflamed eyes, cold, nasal, or ear discharges or any communicable disease shall be refused admission.
3. Scuba diving and snorkeling are not permitted.
4. Ball playing is permitted in authorized areas only. Volleyball, basketball and handball regulations are posted at the beaches.
5. Diving from anywhere in the Lake is strictly prohibited.
6. Lap swimming in the Swim Lanes is permitted by anyone over 16 years old whenever the Swim Team is not using the lanes. A lifeguard does not need to be present.
7. Swimming off boats is prohibited. All power boats are required to maintain a distance of 50 feet from swimming areas.
8. Facility Use Requests must be submitted to the POA office at least 2 weeks in advance for beach and pool parties.
9. Members will be asked to show their badge and reserved ticket to our waterfront staff or security staff for certification the day of their event.
10. No vehicles are allowed on the beach. All vehicles must be parked in the parking lot.
11. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all POA Facilities.
12. Glass bottles, containers, etc. are not permitted anywhere in or near bathing areas.
13. Pets are NOT permitted on the beaches or in the water at any time during the summer season.
14. Personal audio equipment should be played at moderate levels so as not to disturb others.
15. The Waterfront Manager, Assistant Waterfront Manager, Security or Lifeguard has the authority to remove anyone, who in their opinion, is causing problems of a safety nature, disobeying a lifeguard’s request, or is in violation of any of these rules.
16. Please clean up your area when leaving the beach. Trash and recycle containers are located at all beaches.
17. Proper swim attire is required to conform with safety and health regulations. Children who are not toilet trained should wear plastic undergarments which gather at the legs or swimming diapers.
18. Only COAST GUARD APPROVED flotation devices are permitted or flotation that is attached to the body in swim suit form. Device must clearly state COAST GUARD APPROVED. NOTHING INFLATABLE! Anyone wearing a life jacket must have an adult (16 or older) or parent accompany them and stay within an arm’s length away.
19. Eating or drinking in the water is prohibited.
20. No towels, clothes, or personal items are to be hung on the trees or fences.
21. Absolutely no fishing from any of the swim docks or near any bathing areas.
22. Kayaks must have a POA sticker displayed and visible at gate for check entry before going onto the beaches.
23. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
24. All children under 5 must be within an arm’s length away from a parent or responsible adult while in the water. No toddlers will be permitted close to the shoreline unsupervised.
25. NO SMOKING or VAPING are allowed on the beaches.

POOLS:
1. When entering the pool areas, members must show their current POA badges. Guests are to be accompanied by a badge-carrying member and a guest pass number will be hole punched for each guest ages five (5) and over. Maximum of 10 guests allowed per day. If any White Meadow Lake residents are bringing more than 10 guests to the Circus pool, they are required to reserve the pavilion by filling out a facility use form in the office.
2. Any person showing evidence of skin disease, sore or inflamed eyes, cold, nasal or ear discharges or any communicable disease shall be refused admission.
3. No dogs or other animals, except service dogs, shall be allowed in the pool area.
4. No glass containers anywhere in the pool area.
5. No expectoration, roughness, rowdiness or other conduct affecting the safety or comfort of others shall be permitted.
6. Swimming is prohibited during a lightning storm.
7. Persons suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be prohibited from entering the water. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
8. Only COAST GUARD APPROVED flotation devices are permitted or flotation that is attached to the body in swim suit form. Device must clearly state Coast Guard Approved. NOTHING INFLATABLE! Anyone wearing a lifejacket must have an adult (16 or older) or parent accompany them and stay within an arm’s length away.
9. Only toys supplied by the POA are allowed in the pool.
10. No diving.
11. No carriages/strollers are permitted on the pool deck.
12. Personal audio equipment should be played at moderate levels so as not to disturb others.
13. Proper swimming attire is required to conform with safety and health regulations. Children who are not toilet trained must wear either plastic undergarments that gather at the legs or swimming diapers. Traditional diapers are not allowed in the water.
14. The Waterfront Manager, Assistant Waterfront Manager, Security, or lifeguard has the authority to remove anyone, who in their opinion, is causing problems of a safety nature, disobeying a lifeguard’s request, or is in violation of any of these rules.
15. No SMOKING or VAPING is allowed in the Pool area.
16. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
17. Please clean up your area, taking toys, towels and clothing articles with you. We are not responsible for items left at the pools.

WOODLANDS: Hunting is prohibited on all POA Properties. The operating of ATV’s/Dirt Bikes are prohibited on POA Properties. State Law – Feeding of Wildlife is a $1000 fine for each offense. Safety Zone: This area is within 450 feet of a building or school playground. Loaded firearm or nocked arrow is against the law except with written permission in hand. The penalty is up to $1,500 and permanent revocation of hunting license. Do not shoot towards the Safety Zone.

TENNIS: Tennis & Pickle Ball are the only activities permitted on the tennis courts. Others may use the multi-use area court

GENERAL RULES:
1. Players must always show their badges; Guests must be accompanied by badge Holder and have a guest pass hole punched by the attendant.
2. All tennis players must wear tennis shoes or sneakers. No cleats are allowed on the courts
3. No smoking, vaping, or carrying lit or unlit pipes, cigars, or cigarettes. No glass bottles permitted on the courts.
4. No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates or baby carriages are allowed at any time on the courts.
5. No dogs or pets are allowed on the courts at any time, regardless of tennis activity.
6. Persons not playing in the tennis game are not permitted on the courts except designated spectator benches.
TIME USAGE:
7. Single person is limited to half-hour if other players are waiting.
8. Doubles play consists of 4 players. Doubles may play up to 1.5 hours if other players are waiting.
9. Singles may play for up to an hour if other people are waiting.
10. When others are waiting no extra time to complete the game

HUBS LAKE:
11. Tournament play will be allowed on 4 courts. Dates will be advertised and/or posted. All league play must be approved and sanctioned by the WML POA. ROUND ROBIN:
12. Tennis Round Robin attendees will have priority to as many courts as needed between 8:30-11:30 on weekends. Dates of the Round Robin will be advertised and/or posted.
13. During Round Robin guests are always welcome but residents have priority to courts. FOR YOUR SAFETY & ENJOYMENT:
14. It is strongly recommended that tennis & pickleball etiquette be always adhered to, including the proper time to walk on the courts.
15. Clean your court before you leave.
16. The Athletic Committee Chairperson will resolve all rules interpretations and disputes.

DOGS: Dogs are allowed on the Clubhouse Lawn and the A-Field. Dogs are not allowed on the Beaches or Tennis Courts. Dogs must be properly licensed and leashed. Walkers of all ages must carry their White Meadow Lake ID Badge and show Badge when asked by WML staff. Clean-up bags must be used. Violations of the Rockaway Township statutes regarding walking your dog will be strictly enforced and violators will be subject to fines.

PERMITTED FISHING AREAS: Fishing is permitted along the clubhouse lawn from the corner of the dam railing to the boat docks. NO FISHING IS PERMITTED ON THE DAM WALL, BOAT DOCKS, SWIM DOCKS, OR SWIMMING AREAS.
•BEACH 1 — No fishing is permitted at any time.
•BEACH 2 — Fishing is permitted from the fishing dock south of the brook and the lawn area adjacent to the handball court. No fishing is permitted at beach areas or the north boat dock.
•BEACH 3 Fishing is permitted from the lawn adjacent to the dock and from the areas of the dock that are marked for fishing.

FISHING REGULATIONS 2024: As with all activities on POA property, POA members must display a current POA badge. Guests of POA members must be accompanied by the POA member and that member must have their Guest Pass Card available for WML Security to punch. All fishing regulations are NJ State Laws, not WML. A valid fishing license is required for NJ State residents ages 16 to 69. A senior license is available for residents ages 65-69. All non-residents of the state of New Jersey 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license. If you are trout fishing, a trout stamp is required. For more information on NJ Fishing Regulations visit www.state. nj.us/dep/fgw/fishing.htm

PARKING: Overnight parking is prohibited on POA Property unless approved by the POA. Please call the POA office at 973-627-5300. Parking any type of vehicle with a “for sale” sign on it is prohibited on POA common properties.

DUES: All dues were due January 1, 2024 Late fee penalties begin May 2 retroactive to January 1. If dues are not paid in full by May 1, a late fee of $25 will be applied to the account, as well as $5 per month thereafter. Dues must be current for individuals to use POA common properties and to participate in association activities.

MOTORIZED & NON-POWER VEHICLES: The POA Board of Directors hereby resolved at the August 17, 2005 Board of Directors Meeting prohibited the use of any skateboards, scooters, dirt bikes, ATVs, and the like on our POA common areas. This resolution was adopted to foster the safety of our residents and protect our common properties.

VOTING AT ANNUAL MEETINGS: Please bring your POA badge for identification purposes in order to qualify to vote at the 1st & 2nd Annual Meeting.

WML Rules Enforcement Policy: The WML Board of Directors (‘Board’) has the authority to suspend the privileges of any property owners, residents and their guests who violate any rules or regulations of WML. It is the intention of the Board to formulate a violations and fines process. This process will allow the Board to enforce the rules and regulations of WML, and fine property owners who do not remedy their violation(s) in a timely manner. WML property owners, residents and their guests are obligated to abide by the WML Constitution & By Laws, Administrative Guidelines, and any rules that have been established by the WML POA & CC (‘Rules’). These Rules cover all common properties including, but are not limited to, the lake, beaches, pools, athletic field, clubhouse & lawns, docks, boat launches and parking lots. The site manager, security staff, patrol boat operators, waterfront staff, and office manager are authorized to approach individuals who are not abiding by the Rules to inform the person(s) of the infraction. An incident report will be created and submitted to the POA office, where it will be recorded. Any fines issued pursuant to the Violations Process, below, will be levied against the relevant property owner’s account. Any property owner’s account not in good standing at the beginning of each calendar year will be subject to loss of membership privileges until the account is brought current. Fines will go into the POA Late Fee account.

Violations Process: Violation count applies to all violations associated with a property and need not be of the same type. All notifications and fines apply to the property owner.
1st violation- verbal/email notification from office
2nd violation- written/postal mail notification from office (return receipt)
3rd violation- written/postal mail notification from office (return receipt) and fine imposed of $100
4th violation- written/postal mail notification from office (return receipt) and fine imposed of $250
All subsequent violations will be imposed a fine of $500 each with the potential of removal of privileges. Violations are counted on a rolling twelve-month period. Unpaid fines remain in the property owner’s account, which renders them “in arrears” and no longer a member in good standing.

Disputing: Property owners who are issued a violation pursuant to this policy may dispute their violation by submitting a request to the POA Office for a public grievance hearing before the Board. The Board shall conduct this hearing at a board meeting of its choosing, listen to the facts, and, by majority vote, will either confirm, mitigate, rescind, or otherwise change the penalty. Any property owner who wants to contest a violation must inform the POA Office within 10 calendar days after notification. Decisions by the Board are final.