February 2014
8
Pedestrians walking in dark clothing at or after
dusk and at or before dawn.
As where we all
believe this is a common sense issue, we
continually have pedestrians who insist on walking
in the evening or early morning with dark colored
clothing. This is another great opportunity for
residents to speak to each other about this practice.
Typically, it is not well received when a security
officer stops a pedestrian and discusses the color of
their outfit. I still encourage our officers to meet
with these pedestrians and offer them a reflective
vest or illumination device. Most times they refuse,
but we will continue our efforts.
4. Golf Cart Safety
Underage drivers driving carts.
Our security
staff has been given specific instructions on what
to do when they observe underage drivers
operating golf carts within the community. They
are to stop the cart and give the underage driver a
ride to their destination. Please understand, we ask
the driver their age and if they are licensed. If they
look close to the age, we must take them at their
word. If it is obvious, we direct them to get into
our vehicle and transport them to their destination.
This again, is a situation where all residents know
the rules and choose to ignore them when their
family or guests are on property. Please encourage
your fellow members to follow the rules regarding
underage driving.
Overloading golf carts and children standing on
the back of carts.
This is huge safety issue and
could result in severe traumatic injury to the young
person. Falling from a golf cart travelling at full
speed could result in broken bones, head trauma,
lacerations, etc… Upon observing overloaded golf
carts we do ask the driver to avoid this issue for the
safety of their own children.
Golf Carts not stopping at STOP Signs.
This is a
situation where the person driving the golf cart will
pay the ultimate price, financially and possibly,
physically. When a golf cart does not stop at an
intersection where vehicle traffic exists, they will
always lose the encounter. Eventually, the
assumption that the other vehicle will stop or slow
down will catch up with a driver that takes that risk
on a daily basis. For your own safety and that of
your passengers, please stop at all intersections
with STOP Signs.
As long as these issues persist I will continue to
write newsletter articles and go on Frenchman’s
Creek TV to get our residents and guests to act in a
safe and prudent manner. Security personnel will
also be directed to aggressively address these issues
through education and enforcement. I would also
encourage residents to take ownership of these
issues within their own family and among their
peers. It takes all of us to create a safe community!
Please feel free to contact me should you have any
questions or concerns regarding the topics in this
article or security related topic. I look forward to
the continuation of a safe season here at
Frenchman’s Creek!
Extra Holiday Patrols
Many of you have commented or inquired about
the extra security personnel you have seen on
property over the holiday season. Some residents
have even stated they don’t like the extra staffing
and feel like they are in a “Police State”. The
reason for the extra personnel is multifaceted.
Primarily, the extra personnel are on property to
address the numerous safety issues listed above
regarding pedestrians, golf carts and speeding. As
the occupancy level of the community increases, so
do the calls-for-service. By adding extra staffing
we are able to conduct the extra roadway safety
patrols while allowing existing staff to respond to
normal calls-for-service. Secondarily, the extra
personnel are on property as ambassadors of
Frenchman’s Creek to assist all of the family,
friends and guests who populate the community
over the holiday. As ambassadors, they assist in
duties such as escorting guests to their intended
destination, providing information on where to find
specific locations or activities, where to park their
vehicle or golf cart and other general requests.
Secondarily, they are extra sets of eyes and ears to
look out for the well-being of all of our young
visitors who are at the playground, pool areas,
arcade, clubhouse, Fitness Center, 19th Hole and
golf course. We assisted more than one lost child
this holiday season in finding their parents. We will
continue to increase staffing during the high
occupancy holidays in order to maintain the safest
environment possible for our residents and visiting
family members and guests.
