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Introduction
The residents of Dutch Island have available for their use a number of amenities, including a swimming pool, with a wadding pool for our youngest members; a 'beach' volleyball court; an outdoor fire pit; children's playground; tennis courts; basketball court; and a dock and boat ramp. The rules/guidelines for use of these amenities are outlined by 'clicking on' the appropriate amenity name listed below. We encourage safe use of the amenities within the guidelines published and urge you to keep the amenities and areas surrounding them clean. Please use trash cans available and clean off tables and 'pick-up' after your activities when you are finished. Remember that the person that follows you in using the facility you are leaving is a neighbor. Smoking, use of tobacco and consumption of alcohol within the Island's amenity areas is prohibited except as noted within the rules and guidelines for each area.
Swimming Pool | Tennis Courts | Basketball Court | Playground | Boat Ramp, Pier and Dock
Safety Caution
The Island's amenities have parking areas associated with them for your convenience. It is imperative that we all be careful when entering and leaving these parking areas. The safety of our neighbors and are children are at stake! The "safety/speed bumps" installed near the amenities are reminders of the lower speed limits in these areas and the fact that these areas are frequently populated by people on foot and frequently our children whose focus on safety is usually not their primary thoughts when leaving or entering a 'play area'. Please use extra caution when driving near or entering and leaving our recreation parking areas. The parking areas near the Boat Ramp and Dock and the speed limits and cautions within that area require all residents' attention and compliance. The traffic is highest in this area of the community and demands careful driving and adherence to the traffic restrictions within this area. Please note that this area includes a number of "no parking" to "limited parking" and is posted with cautions regarding the removal of illegally parked vehicles.
Enforcement
The rules and guidelines are enforced through a process of Notice! Warning! Execution! Notice is provided through the publication of these rules and guidelines on our Island Web Site and when a resident violates them, they will receive a letter reminding them of the violation and a suggestion that they review the rules and guidelines at the Island's Web Site. [A reminder will also be published as a regular segment of the Association's Newsletter.] Warning will be employed after an initial notice of violation and will outline the rules and guidelines and the consequence of failure to comply. Execution may include removal of privileges; removal of vehicles and/or boats through towing services; and/or legal action through local courts, which can result in fines and other court ordered actions.
General Pool Information
The Dutch Island Homeowners Swimming Pool and recreational amenities within the 'pool area' [beach volleyball and 'fire pit'] are restricted for the use of Dutch Island residents and their guests or visitors. These amenities of the Association are not for rent or lease to non-residents. In order to provide a safe environment for all residents and their guests, the following guidelines have been established. The pool will be fully staffed with certified lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Daily hours of operation will be from 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Resident parties, both during regular hours and scheduled outside regular hours must be staffed by a certified lifeguard. Use of the volleyball court or fire pit at times when the swimming pool is not opened will require the presence of a lifeguard for safety reasons. Some pool rules, which are posted in the pool area, may need to be adjusted for the safety of the individual.
A Poolside 'Snack Bar' offers minimum refreshments for purchase and residents are permitted to bring their own refreshments into the pool area. Restrictions outlined in this document and as posted in the pool area must be adhered to, such as 'no glass', including refreshment containers of glass may be used within the pool area.
Pool Entrance
There are two entrances to the pool -- the main entrance is near Dutch Island Drive and there is a 'gate opening' by the Tennis Court and Playground areas, which may be used after registering at the main entrance. The main entrance will be open 20 minutes prior to the pool opening. Residents and their guests or visitors should not enter any other door for initial access to the pool area, where they will 'sign-in'. All swimmers and those that will be using the 'other recreational amenities' within the pool area must enter the pool through the main entrance and will then have access to the pool's restrooms.
Registration
All swimmers and residents or their guests that will use other recreational amenities located within the pool area, must register by 'signing in' at the entrance to the pool area at the main entrance. Residents should list themselves, children and guests. Daily registration is a requirement.
Guests
There will be no restrictions on the number of guests that may accompany a resident when the guests are 'staying with a resident -- at their home'. In-town guests will be restricted to no more than two in-town guest per day, per family member.
Groups
Small groups, day cares, camps, parties, etc., when organized through or by a resident, may use the pool at anytime the pool is open for public swimming. Groups are expected to provide supervision for their participants and are advised our supervisor to child ratio is 1:6. Groups not providing adequate supervision will be asked to leave the facility. It is advisable to contact the pool before your use to ensure availability of the pool, especially if the group size is over 8.
Age Requirements
Children 10 and under are to be accompanied by a parent or accompanying adult and all children under 8 are to be accompanied by a responsible adult in the water. Residents, guests and/or visitors of any age, primarily those under 12 years of age, may be required to swim 25 yards prior to utilizing the deep end or being allowed to swim without a responsible adult.
• Persons lacking swimming skills must remain at the shallow end of the pool.
• All children must vacate the pool during lifeguard break periods when announced.
Pool Equipment
Kickboards and assorted buoys are available at the pool and should be left at the pool for general use. Toys and swimming assistance equipment, inflatable or otherwise will be restricted by size and the lifeguard's judgment. The following items are prohibited in the pool area: glass, bandages, strollers, playpens, shoes, street clothes, food, drinks, gum, super soakers, and squirt guns. Inflatable arm supports are permitted.
Swimming Apparel
ALL participants at the pool must wear a regulation style swimming suit. Cut-offs, thongs, sweat pants, street shorts, and shoes are prohibited. Parents watching from the sitting area are allowed to be in street clothing. Children in diapers need to wear swim diapers.
Restrooms
The pool has a male and female restroom. Each contains showers, electrical outlets and toilets. Lockers are not provided; hence, personal items are the responsibility of the individual and the Association is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please use gender-appropriate locker rooms with school age children.
Pool Rules
These rules will be posted at the swimming facility and are set for resident and guest health and safety. Please respect those who enforce them.
Health Department Rules
• Bathers are not permitted to enter the pool or within the 'fenced pool area' unless a Lifeguard is present.
• No food, drink, bottles or wrappers shall be permitted in the immediate area of the pool or on the surrounding deck area.
• Bathers shall take a cleansing shower, using warm water and soap, before entering the pool and before returning to the pool following use of a toilet. [Note: Shower facilities are available within the Restrooms provided.]
• Persons having an infectious or communicable disease are excluded from the pool. Persons with open blisters or cuts shall be warned of infection and will not use pool.
• No running or boisterous or rough play, except supervised water sports, will be permitted in the pool and its surrounding area, including the restrooms -- dressing rooms, shower rooms and toilets.
• Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose, etc. in swimming pool is strictly prohibited.
• UNATTENDED SOLO BATHING IS PROHIBITED!
Dutch Island Homeowners Association Rules
• No glassware in pool area -- applies also to 'after hour' and 'non-swimming' activities. Plastic water bottles are acceptable.
• Lifeguards are not responsible for answering the phone. Please limit calls!
• Lifeguards may ask a child under the age of 12 to swim the length of the pool to assess their swimming ability.
• No child under the age of 10 shall be permitted in the swimming pool area without a parent or accompanying adult.
• Children under 8 must be accompanied by an accompanying adult 18 years of age or older while swimming or 'in the water'.
• Children who are not toilet trained are limited to the "Kiddy Pool" and must wear swim diapers. No disposable diapers!
• No diving in the shallow end of pool.
• Swimsuits are required. No cut-off shorts, gym shorts, or inappropriate swimwear is allowed.
• Only towels, deck footwear, and items necessary for swimming allowed on deck.
• No smoking or tobacco use within the pool area at any time.
• No Profanity.
• Pool users, especially children, should exercise caution going to and leaving the pool area -- the outside area of the pool area is a parking area.
• Telephone Number for Emergency: Call 911
Use of the Association Swimming Pool is allowed only when a lifeguard is on duty, and instructions of the lifeguard must be obeyed at all times.
Lost and Found
If you have lost an item at the pool, call the pool or the Guard at the entrance gate as soon as possible.
Pool Closing
The Association reserves the right to close the pool for mechanical breakdowns, low air or water temperature or for safety reasons. The pool may be closed by the attending lifeguard or the Association for inclement weather, chemical imbalance or when the number of swimmers exceeds the ability of the lifeguard(s) to properly protect those swimming -- restricting swimmers by age, sex or other reasonable factor will be used before closing the pool in this circumstance. If the pool closes during a private use of the pool or other recreational amenity for reasons beyond the control of the lifeguard or Association, no refund will be given for that event.
Poolside Concession Stand
The concession stand will be operated by the Pool Contract Manager.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. If the pool closes and then reopens, the Poolside Concession Stand will reopen at the discretion of the manager.
• The Poolside Concession Stand will offer beverages and prepackaged food (candy, chips, ice cream, pretzels and nachos).
Water Temperature
The pool temperature is set at 78-82 degrees. This may vary due to mechanical problems, weather conditions or swim meets.
Pool Accessibility
The pool is not handicapped accessible.
Rentals
The pool is available for rent, by or through residents, during hours not scheduled for regular use or for special occasions, such as a birthday party, with approval of the Chairman of the Recreation Committee. Fees will vary according to user classification. Contact the Pool Contract Manager -- contact information will be posted in the pool area; or complete a pool usage form, which can be obtained at the Entrance Gate Guard Station. The attached Rental and Use Dorm should be completed and submitted to the Recreation Committee Chairperson.
Amenities Located within the Association's Swimming Area
Beach Volleyball Court
Use of the Beach Volleyball Court is restricted for use during periods that the swimming pool is open. A lifeguard must be present when the court is in use. Courtesy should govern each players conduct and recognition that there are other swimming area amenity users within the same area.
"Fire Pit"
Use of the "Fire Pit" is restricted to property owners or the primary residents and, when an owner or primary resident is present, their guests and/or visitors! Use of the "fire pit" requires the presence of a lifeguard in that the swimming pool's accessibility necessitates such. The specific rules regarding the "fire pit's" use are outlined below.
 General Tennis Courts Information
The Dutch Island Homeowners Association Tennis Courts have been erected for and are maintained for the exclusive use of the residents of the Dutch Island Development and their guest(s) and/or visitor(s) and for those 'off-island Savannah Tennis Team players' that may use the Association's Tennis Courts for scheduled competitive matches. This amenity of the Association is not for rent or lease to non-residents. In order to provide a safe environment for all residents and their guests, the following guidelines have been established. The Association's tennis courts are available on a 'first come, first served basis', with specific restrictions as outlined below. While the tennis courts are available throughout the day, Court hours may be restricted for periods of training and Dutch Island Team practices, as well as for Savannah Community League Games. All tennis terms, playing rules or other court procedures and etiquette not defined herein are defined in the USTA Tennis Rule Book and will apply to all Association tennis courts.
A. Court Usage
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult or part of a youth training program approved to train at the Dutch Island Tennis Courts.
B. General Rules
1. Private, formal instruction is not allowed unless it is sponsored and/or approved by the Association's Recreation Committee. Private lessons will be defined as use of Association's tennis courts for instruction with more than a reasonable number of balls. [Reasonable is hereby defined as nine (9).] Instruction, coaching clinics or private instruction, approved by the Recreation Committee is permitted for authorized group reservations requiring both courts.
2. There are no 'court monitors' or other such person(s) on duty, hence courtesy and kindness should govern each players conduct, as well as the specific guidelines outlined below or in the USTA Tennis Rule Book. Proper tennis etiquette should be practiced at all times. Further, any player may enforce the rules as posted.
3. Recreation Committee Programs, such as Youth Training Programs and the Savannah Community Tennis League, etc., have priority at all times. Times for instruction, practices and scheduled competitions will be posted.
4. Association courts are reserved for adults (18 or older) on Tuesday through Fridays after 6:00 pm and on weekends and holidays until noon. A youth player (those under 18), playing with an adult, should be considered an adult.
5. Other than listed above, 'reserving' of Association tennis courts is prohibited!
C. Facility Use Rules
1. Only Tennis Shoes should be worn on the Association Courts. No running shoes or shoes with heels or black/rubber soles allowed. Appropriate complete tennis attire required at all times.
2. Courts are for tennis use only. No toddlers, strollers, animals, bicycles, roller skates, scooters or skateboards allowed.
3. Remove refuse -- place in containers.
D. Playing Rules
[Rules assume players are waiting to use a court. They should be honored once other players arrive to use the courts.]
1. Rally period -- 45 minutes maximum, in lieu of playing a set.
2. Warm up -- 10 minutes maximum before starting set.
3. ALL players must relinquish court after completing two sets.
4. Doubles play -- the winning team may stay on the court for a second set.
5. After a second set of doubles is played, if the same team wins, all four players must leave the court to be replaced by two or more players waiting to play. Losers in the second set described in this rule have priority for the next available court to complete a second set. -- No SINGLES play can be started when people are waiting. Doubles play only.
6. Only THREE balls are allowed on court at any one time unless adjacent court is not in use.
More information to come soon.
More information to come soon.
Overview
The original Developers of the Dutch Island Development built the boat ramp for resident boat owners to 'put in and take out' in one day. Subsequently, they built the walkway and pier for residents to crab, fish or sightsee. Boaters found difficulty in loading and unloading passengers and the Developers then added a floating dock, attached to the pier, so that passengers could use the floating dock to get in and out of boats safely. Later, a second floating dock was added to ease crowding during the loading and unloading on 'busy weekends'. The Ramp, pier and dock provided support for the simultaneous loading/unloading of an average of eight (8) boats of a size of 17 to 20 feet in length. Original intent was not to use the Dock space for overnight docking of boats. The parking lot that currently exists was completed during this period and has not been enlarged since that time. Expansion is restricted by the fact that the roadway is the 'causeway' for access onto Gannam Hammock and Dutch Island. After the Association assumed responsibility for the ramp and dock area, a third expansion was completed that provided a floating dock of 450 linear feet (225 feet in length) and expanded the ability to simultaneously load/unload approximately 20 to 25 boats of a size of 17 to 20 feet in length. The Association established the following guidelines under which residents would use the Dutch Island Ramp and Dock Amenity and provided for a certain amount of 'overnight docking':
1. Ramp and dock are provided for boat loading & unloading -- not storage.
2. Only three consecutive nights of overnight docking allowed on a first come basis except for the last section on the river side, which must be left open for loading and unloading. [The Association has defined 'overnight docking' for purpose of these rules, as having a boat docked at the Dutch Island dock at 11:00 PM on any given night.]
{Being courteous to other boat owners and not abusing these guidelines has been left to each individual rather than hiring a 'dock master' for enforcement of the guidelines adapted. Boat owners have been urged to only use overnight parking when weather or tide precludes boat removal until the next day and to leave the first two sections of the dock, on each side, for the purpose of loading & unloading.}
3. Boats must display a current Dutch Island Homeowner's Association boat decal in plain view as proof of Dutch Island Homeowner's Association membership, as well as a current Georgia Boat Registration Decal.
4. Ramp and dock reserved for Dutch Island Homeowner's Association members only. Visitors to the Island are not permitted use of the Dutch Island Dock. "Boats docked in violation of these rules are subject to removal at owner's expense" to Seatow Services of Savannah & Hilton Head, PO Box 30067 (212 Falligant Avenue), Savannah, Georgia 31410. Phone: 912-356-8344.
5. No swimming, jumping or diving from dock or from boats tied up at the dock.
6. Required: The Association is not liable from the growing liability presented by the dock and the failure to establish and manage reasonable rules regarding the dock's intended purpose -- needs to be developed with our attorney's assistance.
Notice
The Island's Security Guards will audit, on a daily basis, the boats that are docked to determine violations. When it is determined that a boat is in violation of the guidelines indicated above, the owner will be identified and called by the Security Guard on duty to bring to the resident's attention that they are in violation. If the boat remains docked through the next audit, Seatow will be notified to remove the boat in question. Seatow will try to contact the owner and advise them to move their boat. If there is no response they will immediately begin procedures to tow. All expenses are billed to the boat owner. Charges start incurring the moment Seatow leaves their dock at Bull River marina and their rate, as of July of 2008, is $200 per hour. Seatow moves the boat to the Liberty County Sheriff's boat impoundment at the DNR docks. When Seatow returns to Bull River the clock stops. Impoundment charges are $10 per day. Total charges can easily exceed $600. Similar warning, notice, execution procedures apply to the illegal parking of cars and trailers as posted in the ramp/dock area.
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