Summer has arrived. Lepel residents have headed towards the town beach, towards the water. Of course, there are various ways to relax by the lake: some sunbathe while reading an engaging novel, others doze with their eyes hidden behind sunglasses, and a third group goes swimming. However, there are also those who won't miss the opportunity to rent watercraft.
Valentina Chevasova greets us at the entrance of a small building in the town park, before the pontoon bridge. She works for the Municipal Unitary Communal Enterprise "Housing and Communal Services of Lepel" (КУПП ЖКХ «Лепель»), and her job is seasonal. The rental point usually opens on June 1st and closes in early September, depending on the weather. Currently, three boats and two catamarans are available for those interested. Enthusiasts of rowing will pay nine thousand roubles for an hour of boating. Those who prefer water "bicycles" will spend a bit more, though not significantly. For instance, a two-seater catamaran costs twelve thousand roubles, and a four-seater costs fifteen thousand. For comparison, last year the charges were eight and ten thousand roubles respectively.
Individuals under sixteen years of age without adult supervision, without passports, or in a state of alcoholic intoxication are not permitted. Valentina Timofeyevna records every visitor, the rental duration, and the watercraft number in the registration log. Her duties also include familiarising clients with the safety instructions, ensuring everyone wears life jackets, and explaining the rules for using a boat or catamaran.
Currently, visitor numbers are only observed on weekends. But, as they say, there's more to come. The peak season is July, with up to 25 people visiting per day. Most rentals are for an hour, although half-hour rentals are also permitted (the established minimum).
Together with our interviewee, we head to the lake shore, to the pier. Colourful, compact boats are showcased there. They are made of plastic, which means they are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Valentina Timofeyevna mentions that she expects several more rental units to arrive.
Water excursions are available every day except Monday and Tuesday, from eleven to nineteen hours. When the "hot" season arrives, an additional employee will be on duty, and then the watercraft will be available daily for twelve hours.
Evgenia LYAKH.