Board Members allowing nonmembers access to Common Areas

Our HOA's common area is a private lake. We enjoy boating skiing, fishing, etc. I have run off several people who claimed a board member said they could use the lake whenever they want. I also ran into a family from a different neighborhood who were told by the same board member that they could use the lake. Other members have told me they have run strangers off their docks.
I feel allowing nonmembers access to the lake is a verbal contract plus it also increases liability issues. IMO, I feel it devalues our mowing contract because the mower is exchanging $1500 of mowing for free use of the lake. My question is, can board members give permission to nonmembers to use common areas? I researched 20 or so other HOAs and they stated in their rules members must accompany all guests. We have a board meeting in a couple of weeks so I would like to address this issue.

I'm not sure of your neighborhood layout. are all members lakefront? We have a community beach for members only. The non-lakefront families have "access" through the use of this beach, only. Swimming only.

Perhaps some signs that say "Private Lake 0 Members Use Only" could be posted.

P.S. In our parts, you cann't "sell" lake access (riparian rights) to anyone. How is this landscaper getting onto the lake?

The short answer is that no Board member is allowed to circumvent your CCRs. You need to have a talk with him, hear his side of the story, and if necessary set him straight. Board members are held to the same standards as all association members and can be called before the rest of the board and fined just like anyone else. But first, I would try to settle the situation amicably. Just because someone said a Board member told them they could use the lake doesn't mean he did.

ALONG WITH THIS, it appears as if that homeowner needs to be contacted with the claims of a verbal contract. good luck.

We have signs posted in our lake area that the lake and adjacent common area is for XXXXX Residents Only. (we don't even say "and guests" because our governing docs do not allow for "guests." They specify common areas are for the sole use of XXXX residents only.

The sign also states that violators can be prosecuted.

Then we hired an off-duty uniformed officer to patrol the lake 10 hours a week.

He's arrested 1 person already and issued citations to 3 others. Two of those people had previous records including assault and drug charges.

It's costing us $1,200 a month for this now and well worth it.

But, again, the short answer really is guided by what your governing documents say about WHO gets to use the amenity and common area.

If guests are allowed if with a resident, then that's okay. But the residents should all be notified that if they are not WITH their guests, then the board will do what needs to be done to request the guests leave.