Summer 2026 is almost here, and the BLPOA Board of Directors and I would like to ask EVERY member to discuss the following with anyone that operates any boat / PWC / kayak / canoe in your home AND discuss and post/share with guests and renters.  
 
HAZARDS:
   
There are HUNDREDS of hazards on Belleau Lake, a few are marked, but most are not! Become an expert about the area you are in. 2026 Important update: The lake changed over the winter, AREAS SAFE IN THE PAST MAY NO LONGER BE! Also, the beavers left many small to medium branches floating around after the winter. If you see something thicker than a few fingers wide, please grab and remove it, if you can safely.
 
WAKE:
 
The operator of the vessel is responsible for their wake.  This applies to ski craft also- and is the number 1 complaint every year. Please be RESPECTFUL to your neighbors!
 
DISTANCE:
 
If closer than 50 yards (150 feet or 1/2 of a football field!)  from a shore, a swimmer, ski craft, boat, kayak, raft, dock you MUST slow to HEADWAY SPEED (A MAXIMUM of 6 mph)! This applies to ski craft also- and was the number 2 complaint the last several years. Motorized vessels always give way to any non motorized, and people/ swimmers.
 
SWIM RAFTS:
    
NH Admin. Code § Saf-C 404.09 - Regarding Swim Rafts: “Each swim raft shall display the owners name and shore front address plainly marked on the outside of such raft, AND shall display 12 square inches of reflective material at least halfway up on all sides of the raft.”
 
Thanks to many of you for marking your swim rafts! Remember no raft shall cause an obstruction to navigation. Keep them close to shore and prevent an accident by marking & placing appropriately.    
 
MARINE PATROL:
 
All enforcement falls on Marine patrol - please call Marine Patrol at 603-267-7256 if there is a significant problem that cannot be handled neighbor to neighbor. 
 
BOATER SAFETY & STICKERS:
     
Safe boater certificate is a requirement for any operator of a motorized vessel over 25 hp. Link to register is: https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/ Remember, boats (not PWCs) with an out of state registration also require a NH Invasive Species Sticker as described by NHDES here.

RENTAL PROPERTIES:   
 
Remember owners are not allowed to give out their boat ramp key per key agreement. Monetary fines have been approved by the membership - don’t give out your key. If renters are using the owner’s boat, or launching from the owner’s property, please make sure they have copies of, and fully understand all these rules! 

NH BOATING LAWS BOOKLETS:  

At the Spring meeting I will have a limited number of The Handbook of NH Boating Laws and Responsibilities available to members that would like a hard copy. An electronic copy may be viewed, downloaded (and optionally printed) by clicking: NH Boating Laws.

We have a great lake to be enjoyed by all. Let’s have fun on the water but do so in a safe manner and with respect for the other members of our lake community!

Steve Bischof
Director of Lake Safety
SAFETY@BLPOA.COM
 


References:

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXII/270/270-74.htm

https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/fob/marine-patrol/restricted.htm