Summer is almost here, and the board and I would like for 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. Don’t endanger your passengers or yourself. THE LAKE IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING, AREAS SAFE IN THE PAST MAY NO LONGER BE!

WAKE: Operator is responsible for their wake. This applies to ski craft also- and was 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.

SWIM RAFTS: NH Law- Saf-C 404.09- Regarding Swim Rafts.
Each swim raft placed in public waters 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 half way up on all sides of the raft. This includes FOAM SWIM RAFTS. Please mark your rafts appropriately.

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 TRAINING: 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/. Also, remember that in 2025, motorized vessels need 2 registration stickers.

RENTAL PROPERTIES: Remember owners are not allowed to give out their boat ramp key per key agreement. Fine approved by membership - don’t give out your key.

NAME & NUMBER BOAT STICKERS: At the Spring meeting I hope to have a limited number of Kayak/canoe/rowboat Name Tags that have been provided by Coyote Creek Outfitters and BLPOA member Chad Woodward. Also, I’ll have Markers to write your name and contact phone on the sticker.

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

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

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