Know the Rules Before You Go
Members are responsible for their own conduct and for the conduct of their guests. Review the rules before using the lake, roads, beaches, campground, pool, or common areas.
On the Water
Lake Wildwood is a central part of community life, with boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities taking place throughout the season. Safety on the water starts with staying alert, following speed limits, observing no-wake zones, using proper safety flags, and giving other boats and swimmers plenty of room.
Smart decisions on the lake help protect shorelines, docks, watercraft, swimmers, and everyone sharing the water.
On the Road
Roadways throughout the community are shared by vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, golf carts, ATVs, wildlife, and families moving between amenities. Safe driving is not just about getting where you are going. It is about protecting your neighbors, guests, and the people enjoying Lake Wildwood around you.
Slowing down, watching intersections and curves, and expecting the unexpected all help reduce risk.
In the Community
Shared spaces, homes, beaches, trails, and natural areas all play a role in overall safety. Members and guests are expected to respect the rules, protect property, keep common areas clean, and make responsible choices.
A safe community is built through everyday actions, from fire safety and guest responsibility to looking out for neighbors.
Our Mission
The goal of the Think Safety initiative is clear: keep safety visible, practical, and part of everyday life at Lake Wildwood. Small decisions, repeated daily, have a direct impact on preventing accidents, reducing risk, and protecting the people and places that make this community special.
By staying aware of surroundings, following established guidelines, and making practical choices, residents and guests help create a more reliable sense of safety across the entire Development.
This campaign is not about adding noise or making safety feel complicated. It is about reinforcing habits that already matter: slowing down, watching for others, following lake rules, respecting shared spaces, and taking responsibility for guests and personal conduct.
With a shared approach, Lake Wildwood can continue to be a place where people feel comfortable, confident, and at home.
What to Expect
The Think Safety initiative will be rolled out through consistent, visible reminders and practical opportunities to stay informed. The goal is to keep safety in front of members in ways that are useful, seasonal, and easy to understand.
Safety Spotlights
Regular tips will be shared through newsletters, email updates, and social media. These reminders may focus on seasonal conditions, current concerns, common violations, or practical safety habits that apply across the community.
Community Workshops
Hands-on sessions may include topics such as CPR, basic water rescue awareness, fire prevention, and other practical skills. These workshops are intended to help members feel more prepared and confident when real situations occur.
Updated Signage
Clear, easy-to-understand reminders may be placed at key locations such as lake access points, docks, beaches, roadways, and common areas. These reminders are meant to reinforce safe habits at the moment they matter most.
Helpful Documents & Resources
Boating & Lake Safety
Boating on Lake Wildwood is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Following speed limits, observing no-wake zones, using proper safety flags, and staying aware of other boats and swimmers helps keep the lake enjoyable for everyone.
Illinois Boating Safety Certificate
Under Illinois law, requirements are based on birth date, age, and horsepower of the watercraft.
- Born on or after January 1, 1998: certificate required to operate any motorized vessel with more than 10 horsepower.
- Born before January 1, 1998: generally exempt, but the course is strongly encouraged as a refresher.
If the supervising adult was born on or after January 1, 1998, they must also have a valid Boating Safety Certificate.
Towing Safety: Two Flag Rule
- Boats towing someone must have a bright orange flag at least 12 inches by 12 inches installed at the highest point surrounding the helm.
- A spotter must raise the flag whenever the person being towed is in the water and keep it raised until the person is safely back in the boat.
Key Lake Rules at a Glance
- Lake Tanglewood allows electric trolling motors only.
- Maximum watercraft speed is 30 mph.
- Boat traffic moves counterclockwise.
- Cross the lake perpendicular to shore.
- Stay out of buoy-marked restricted zones and do not move buoys.
- No wake means no visible wake or white water.
Driving & Road Safety
Lake Wildwood roads are shared by vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, golf carts, ATVs, and wildlife. Slowing down and staying alert protects everyone.
- Illinois Vehicle Code applies unless Association rules are stricter.
- Pedestrians should walk facing traffic.
- No playing in roadways.
- No vehicles on dams or spillways.
- Occupant limits for golf carts, ATVs, and recreational vehicles must be followed.
- Valid driver’s license or permit with licensed driver required.
- Maximum speed is 30 mph unless otherwise posted.
Beaches & Swimming Safety
Time at the beach is one of the best parts of Lake Wildwood. Staying within marked areas and following posted rules keeps it safe and enjoyable.
- Swim only in designated areas or at your own risk.
- Stay within marked swim zones.
- Use proper safety flags when swimming from boats.
- Keep beaches clean. No glass and no littering.
- Follow all posted beach and pool rules.
Community Safety
Safety at Lake Wildwood starts with awareness and accountability. Following the rules is not optional, and not knowing the rules is not an excuse. These guidelines are in place to protect people, property, and the lakes we all enjoy.
Members are responsible for their guests and their actions. That responsibility includes making sure guests understand expectations before using the roads, lakes, beaches, campground, pool, Lodge, or other common areas.
In some cases, violations may involve law enforcement because safety extends beyond private rules. Repeated or serious offenses can also result in loss of privileges, reinforcing the importance of making safe, responsible choices every day.
Key Community Rules at a Glance
- Members are responsible for their guests and their behavior.
- No littering or illegal dumping. Protect the community and natural environment.
- Respect quiet hours and avoid disturbing the peace.
- Follow fire safety rules. Fires must be attended and located in approved areas.
- Repeated or serious violations can result in loss of privileges.