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Kamper · 08-11-2006, 02:11 PM

Friday, August 11, 2006
New buoys to aid boaters

By JAMES MITCHELL
Staff Writer

GILFORD— A new buoy system has instituted to help boaters observe speed limits close to shore, say state officials.

The new white, green striped buoys mark the 150 feet that boaters are required to maintain from shore with a no-wake speed when they are approaching land.

"The headway rule is one of the most common violations that safety officers see," said Safety Services Director David Barrett.

The idea came from existing buoys that Marine Patrol has off its headquarters' docks in Gilford. The buoys serve as a reminder to officers not only when to observe headway speed but, more importantly, what 150 feet really looks like on the water.

"It occurred to us that we do that with our officers, why not do the same with the public?" said Barrett.

Barrett noted that, with the ever-increasing crowds on the waterways, especially on Lake Winnipesaukee, it is important that boaters make a conscious effort to maintain the required distance and speed to keep everyone on the lake safe. He added that the buoys are a good way for the Safety Department to remind boaters of the distance that is required.

The new buoys are a part of an ongoing effort by the Department of Safety to try and educate boaters on important safety issues on New Hampshire's waterways. Lake Winnipesaukee will be a test pilot for the new buoys.

Barrett said it is important for boaters not only to maintain the 150 feet when approaching public docks but also to be able to accurately judge the distance for themselves all around the lake.

Currently the new buoys are in place at the town docks in Wolfeboro, Alton, and Center Harbor. Barrett said he also will be looking at a dock sign program to coincide with the new buoys, explaining what they and other buoys found around the lake look like and what they mean to boaters.

"We're going to try this and see if we can get anything out of this, with regards to boater education," said Barrett.

He added that boaters will start seeing the white, horizontally striped buoys as early as next year on lakes and other waterways that have public docks.

c. 2006 George J. Foster Co.

08-11-2006, 02:11 PM	#3
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,296 Thanks: 67 Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts	Friday, August 11, 2006 New buoys to aid boaters By JAMES MITCHELL Staff Writer GILFORD— A new buoy system has instituted to help boaters observe speed limits close to shore, say state officials. The new white, green striped buoys mark the 150 feet that boaters are required to maintain from shore with a no-wake speed when they are approaching land. "The headway rule is one of the most common violations that safety officers see," said Safety Services Director David Barrett. The idea came from existing buoys that Marine Patrol has off its headquarters' docks in Gilford. The buoys serve as a reminder to officers not only when to observe headway speed but, more importantly, what 150 feet really looks like on the water. "It occurred to us that we do that with our officers, why not do the same with the public?" said Barrett. Barrett noted that, with the ever-increasing crowds on the waterways, especially on Lake Winnipesaukee, it is important that boaters make a conscious effort to maintain the required distance and speed to keep everyone on the lake safe. He added that the buoys are a good way for the Safety Department to remind boaters of the distance that is required. The new buoys are a part of an ongoing effort by the Department of Safety to try and educate boaters on important safety issues on New Hampshire's waterways. Lake Winnipesaukee will be a test pilot for the new buoys. Barrett said it is important for boaters not only to maintain the 150 feet when approaching public docks but also to be able to accurately judge the distance for themselves all around the lake. Currently the new buoys are in place at the town docks in Wolfeboro, Alton, and Center Harbor. Barrett said he also will be looking at a dock sign program to coincide with the new buoys, explaining what they and other buoys found around the lake look like and what they mean to boaters. "We're going to try this and see if we can get anything out of this, with regards to boater education," said Barrett. He added that boaters will start seeing the white, horizontally striped buoys as early as next year on lakes and other waterways that have public docks. c. 2006 George J. Foster Co.