By Jill K. Applegate

As the weather heats up and we start our seasonal quest to cool down, keep in mind that just as there are rules of the road, there are rules of the waterways of Tulare County. If you’re planning to launch your prized watercraft, keep your wits about you — you’ll need a good eye for distances, and possibly an analog watch, to keep you on the right side of safety and the law.

• Dizzying Directions: If you’re on the Kings River or in other county water recreation areas, stay to the right as you pass an island or as you motor or row merrily along. You should be traveling counter-clockwise around any obstacle in the water. That way you won’t bump into people making their way in the opposite direction because they’ll keep to their right too. [Tulare County Code, 2-03-1140(i), 2-05-1065(d)]

• No Racing: Whether you wave the checkered flag or just start your engine with a knowing nod to the dude in the next boat over, speed contests and exhibitions of speed are illegal on the Kings River. Even if there’s no trophy, only pride at stake racing is against the rules of the waterway. Stick to proving who’s the bigger man the old fashioned way — with a hot dog eating contest. [Tulare County Code, 2-03-1145(a)]

• Keep Your Distance: On the Kings or other rivers, lakes or public waterways, swimmers and boaters must coexist peacefully and share the water safely. Motorboats must keep their speed to 5 miles per hour when they’re within 100 feet of swimmers and water skiers and within 200 feet of a designated swim area. Swimmers have to stay 100 feet away from boat launches and bridges, and have to be within 100 feet of the shore, unless they’re with a boat. [Tulare County Code: 2-05-1065(a, 5), 2-03-1140 (c, d), 2-05-1085(a, b, d)]

• Clean Up After Yourself: While you’re enjoying your day on the water, take care not to leave anything nasty in the water. Cans, debris, garbage and noxious waste are all your responsibility until you get to the shore and find a place to dispose of them. Dumping in public waters is illegal — and downright gross. [Tulare County Code 2-05-1140]