However, law enforcement and longtime lake denizens agree that buoys placed erratically, or too far from the shoreline, are more of a problem than a help.

Buoys should be no more than 200 feet from shore. They should be securely anchored so they will not drift in moderate-to-heavy winds. And they should preferably be made of material which, if a boat accidentally bumps the buoy, will not cause harm. In addition, they should be highly visible. There is much boat traffic at night, and even in the daytime bright colors help buoys stand out and serve the purpose for which they are intended.

Frequently, neighbors get together and place a series of buoys. That's helpful to everyone: swimmers, the people on piers, boaters and law enforcement officers. But buoys placed too far into the lake encourage boaters to ignore them (the boater's obligation is to obey the 200-foot rule). Thus buoys placed too far into the lake can create a false sense of security for those swimming between them and the shore.

Swimming-or diving-in areas outside of buoys can be particularly dangerous unless a boat accompanies those participating in the activity. And even with a boat nearby, exercise extreme care.

Check your buoys now to make sure they serve the purpose for which they are intended and are placed in keeping with the guidelines stated above.