When is a little light a good thing?

Rattlesnake Guy · 07-15-2008, 10:48 PM

Being a light pollution protester, I have noticed a bit of a trend that I am actually not having a problem with and would like to get some other impressions.

We have noticed an increase of the use of the low intensity solar powered sidewalk style lights around the lake. Why they seem to be getting an unexpected pass from me is that they appear to be dim enough to not blind you on the boat while giving a good reference of where the shore is. A couple small non electrified islands down our way have a few and it really looks like it could help save a life.

If people use less outside lighting and replaced with these low intensity devices it may be a good thing.

Would a dim light like this on a swim platform be illegal or objectionable?

Am I all wet?

Orion · 07-16-2008, 08:36 AM

Dim lights are not a problem and the ones you cited are perfect for all the reasons stated. Certainly better than the water-facing floodlights that a lot of people leave on all the time.

Dave R · 07-16-2008, 08:38 AM

I dunno about illegal, but I would not find it at all objectionable. I hate bright lights on shore.

Onshore · 07-16-2008, 08:53 AM

I certainly hope that they are not illegal since we have requested low intensity "ground lighting" for public use facilities as an alternative to overhead lighting on a few projects in the past.

SIKSUKR · 07-16-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shore things

I certainly hope that they are not illegal since we have requested low intensity "ground lighting" for public use facilities as an alternative to overhead lighting on a few projects in the past.

He was refering to lights on a swim platform(raft).

Kamper · 07-16-2008, 11:59 AM

My understanding is that registerred floats (swim platforms) do not need lights. I think it's a great idea but you might want to call the MP to be sure.

FWIW - OddLots/BigLots had a box of 4 lights using a shared charger for $30 a couple weeks ago. The directions said the package would provide light up to 12 hours. You can probably use one lamp and save the rest for spares. Just put a piece of PVC tape over the unused jacks. I'm sure it would be a simple thing to make a "lamp post" for the light and charger.

You can also get 'single' light units there and manyother places.

Good luck!

ossipeeboater · 07-16-2008, 07:43 PM

i put 6 on my dock a few years back because I'm in a heavily travelled area and the dock was new, now most of them have them, I picked up 4 new ones last week at Shaws for $14

07-15-2008, 10:48 PM	#1
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	When is a little light a good thing? Being a light pollution protester, I have noticed a bit of a trend that I am actually not having a problem with and would like to get some other impressions. We have noticed an increase of the use of the low intensity solar powered sidewalk style lights around the lake. Why they seem to be getting an unexpected pass from me is that they appear to be dim enough to not blind you on the boat while giving a good reference of where the shore is. A couple small non electrified islands down our way have a few and it really looks like it could help save a life. If people use less outside lighting and replaced with these low intensity devices it may be a good thing. Would a dim light like this on a swim platform be illegal or objectionable? Am I all wet?

07-16-2008, 08:36 AM	#2
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cow Island Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	I agree. Dim lights are not a problem and the ones you cited are perfect for all the reasons stated. Certainly better than the water-facing floodlights that a lot of people leave on all the time.

07-16-2008, 08:38 AM	#3
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,974 Thanks: 246 Thanked 736 Times in 438 Posts	I dunno about illegal, but I would not find it at all objectionable. I hate bright lights on shore.

07-16-2008, 08:53 AM	#4
Onshore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 500 Thanks: 12 Thanked 400 Times in 143 Posts	I certainly hope that they are not illegal since we have requested low intensity "ground lighting" for public use facilities as an alternative to overhead lighting on a few projects in the past.

07-16-2008, 11:59 AM	#6
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,296 Thanks: 67 Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts	My understanding is that registerred floats (swim platforms) do not need lights. I think it's a great idea but you might want to call the MP to be sure. FWIW - OddLots/BigLots had a box of 4 lights using a shared charger for $30 a couple weeks ago. The directions said the package would provide light up to 12 hours. You can probably use one lamp and save the rest for spares. Just put a piece of PVC tape over the unused jacks. I'm sure it would be a simple thing to make a "lamp post" for the light and charger. You can also get 'single' light units there and manyother places. Good luck!

07-16-2008, 07:43 PM	#7
ossipeeboater Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 157 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	i put 6 on my dock a few years back because I'm in a heavily travelled area and the dock was new, now most of them have them, I picked up 4 new ones last week at Shaws for $14