Golf Cart Use, Care, and Operation Policy

Last updated on May 20, 2024

1. Purpose

This Thousand Island Park Yacht Club (TIPYC) policy outlines the approved usage and scope of the TIPYC golf cart and defines the responsibilities of passengers and drivers during its use. The operation of the TIPYC golf cart must adhere to the Thousand Island Park (TIP) Golf Cart Policy, as outlined in the Cottage Owners’ Manual, and any additional safety rules covered in this policy or by TIPYC officers.

2. Scope of Intended Usage

Using a TIPYC golf cart is a privilege. Adherence to the following guidelines is a requirement.

Only the Lead Counselor or a TIPYC Board Member can authorize using the golf cart.
Drivers must adhere to the qualifications and requirements outlined in Section 5, Rules and Responsibilities for Safe Operation.
The golf cart can be used to set up and take down equipment and tow small trailers from storage to the designated locations. When towing, the most direct and safest route should be taken.
The golf cart should not be used for launching boats, as it is not equipped for that purpose and is unsuitable for water operation.
The golf cart can be used regularly for tasks such as retrieving and returning items necessary for the operation of the sailing school program.
The golf cart can be used to transport staff and students for various reasons, including support for activities in multiple locations and urgent matters.
The golf cart can be used to pick up or drop off staff when necessary and appropriate.

3. Care, Maintenance, and Reporting

Golf carts are practical and durable equipment that can facilitate TIPYC activities. However, observing safety precautions and usage guidelines is essential to ensure proper operation and maintenance. Reporting incidents and regular maintenance checks are crucial for keeping the golf carts in safe working order. The driver should report all incidents or issues to the Lead Counselor, who will include relevant information in the daily log and promptly report to the Fleet Captain for further action.

The driver must check the golf cart’s gas level and tire inflation before starting daily operations.
To check the gas level, lift the seat. Unscrew the gas cap and estimate if the tank is at least ¼ full. If it is under ¼, use the reserve 5-gallon can on the Sailing Platform to fill the tank and immediately notify the Lead Counselor.
If a tire appears too flat at the bottom but still supports the cart (the metal rim does not touch the ground), there is an air hose located next to gas pumps at the TIP Maintenance building. Add only enough air to make the tire round. Contact the Fleet Captain to check for correct inflation. If the metal rim touches the ground, DO NOT OPERATE, and contact the Fleet Captain.
If a small, bright red warning light located next to the key on the dash becomes illuminated, the motor is low on oil. DO NOT OPERATE the golf cart at all when this light is illuminated. Immediately pull over or push the cart out of the road, set the parking brake, take the key, and notify the Lead Counselor.
Other items that need verification include, but are not limited to, the current year sticker (issued by TIP), the lights being functional, the tow hitch being unharmed, and any maintenance issues not reported by the previous operation.
Drivers should ensure no sharp items are placed on the seats.

4. Rules and Responsibilities for Safe Operation

The driver bears responsibility for the safe operation of the golf cart. For this reason, TIPYC requires that all drivers have a valid driver’s license to operate the golf cart. Counselors are eligible to drive the golf cart, but Counselors-in-Training (CITs) shall not operate the golf cart.

Counselors who operate the TIPYC golf cart will comply with the above requirements and will have read and comply with the TIP Golf Cart rules found in Appendix 1 of this document.
The golf cart will be operated with the utmost caution and care, especially when transporting other passengers. All passengers will remain seated when the golf cart is in motion. Per TIP policy, the maximum number of passengers is five, including the driver. This presumes the cart will not be loaded with cargo, which could overload it.
When transporting students in the rear-facing (back) seats, a CIT or Counselor must be seated in the back, rear-facing seat to ensure that the student passengers hold on to the seat handles to safeguard them from falling off while in motion. Therefore, the number of students on the golf cart should not exceed 3.
The TIP roads can and often have potholes and other road hazards that can only be navigated safely by reducing speed. Bouncing over potholes, skidding to a spot, and “drifting” are all considered reckless operations and will result in corrective action by the TIPYC Board.
It is best practice to drive slowly around road hazards, particularly potholes, making the degree of risk unknown.
Only the Lead Counselor will have the authority to grant permission to use a golf cart. No counselor will operate the TIPYC golf cart without their task-specific permission.
The Lead Counselor will ensure that the Counselors granted permission to operate the TIPYC golf cart have read this policy and the TIP Golf Cart Policy before using it.
The Lead Counselor shall record in their daily log book any incident where harm to a person, property damage to a non-TIPYC asset, or damage to the cart or other TIPYC asset has occurred.
Operators of the TIPYC golf cart shall report to the Lead Counselor any incident where harm to a person, property damage to a non-TIPYC asset, or damage to the cart or other TIPYC asset has occurred. The Lead Counselor or their designee will inform the Fleet Captain, in person or by text, of the extent and scope of any issue on the same day any incident becomes known.

Appendix

TIP GOLF CART POLICY & REGISTRATION

As found in the Cottage Owners’ Manual,

All owners of golf carts shall register their golf cart with the office, pay an annual fee of $40.00, and upon doing so, shall show proof of insurance with the following limits and coverages:

Personal liability listing the Corporation as an additional insured covering bodily injury and property damage, with a New York State admitted insurance carrier, with liability limits of not less than $500,000 per occurrence on a combined single limit basis, insuring against any liability arising out of or in connection with the use of a golf cart on the premises of the Corporation, to the greatest extent the law permits.

Inspection of the cart by T.I.P. Security in regard to lights and brakes will be required to obtain your stickers. Owners shall receive two registration stickers showing their lot number and must place the stickers on the sides of the golf cart.

All operators of golf carts must be at least 16 years of age and in possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License. No person under the age of 16 shall be allowed to operate a golf cart in Thousand Island Park. And all operators of golf cart shall be named on the golf cart agreement.

Golf carts shall not be driven on County Route 100, except to cross on a 90 angle. Operation of a golf cart on County Route 100 is in violation of New York State regulations covering vehicles operating on public highways and roads. The New York State Police will enforce this regulation in Thousand Island Park.

No more than 4 people (men, women & children) shall be allowed to ride in a golf cart at any time.

Drivers of golf carts shall maintain complete control of their golf cart at all times and shall not operate the vehicle in any manner that shall be deemed reckless.

Golf cart lights are required. Headlights and taillights shall be operational and in use at all times that the golf cart is in operation during non-daylight hours, and no golf cart shall be operated between the hours of 12-midnight and sunrise, nor without an adequate muffler system.

Persons in violation of the above policy may be levied a fine of $50.00 and/or may result in a revocation of the privilege of operating a golf cart in Thousand Island Park.