Better not put it in until you've got the go-ahead from Transport Canada, which requires that prospective slalom course owners submit an application for approval under the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA).

You can contact your regional NWP office to have an application form sent to you. For southern Ontario cottage country, that's the Central and Arctic Region Coast Guard office located in Sarnia, Ont., (519) 383-1862.

For a crystal-clear explanation of the application process, go to the Coast Guard's website at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/ nwp-pen/main_e.htm. In brief, explains NWP inspection supervisor Barry Putt, what's required is basic information on the applicant and the locale, plus a minimum of three drawings: a key map that shows the proposed location, a side-view drawing showing dimensions and placement of the structures involved in the course, and an overhead view with dimensions.

If your application is approved, you'll be asked to comply with certain common- sense conditions that include following existing boating regulations, and setting up the course a safe distance from shore, channels, cottages, etc., and marking it with proper aids to navigation.

There's another kind of common sense we probably don't need to remind you about - consideration for your cottage neighbours. If you do get approval, let them in on your plans. Better yet, suggests Gemma Cutler, executive director of the Ontario Water Ski Association (OWSA), invite them to use the course. Then you can all agree on the ground rules as well as the no-nos: no skiing at the crack of dawn, no speeding near shore, no skiing during loon-nesting season, or whatever other rules suit your lake and location. The OWSA can send you a how-to guide for designing your own slalom course. Contact them at (416) 426-7092.

Barry Putt reminds prospective slalom course owners that, although approval is normally granted once all your information is received, you are proposing to build something on a navigable waterway, where the public right is paramount - so it's always possible that approval will be denied.

And one more thing: Since NWP officers have a heavy workload and limited resources, Putt says permission can take up to six months or more. The earlier you get your application in, the more likely you'll be able to install a course by summer.