Several forum members know that my younger years were spent at Lanakai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii—YES, I have surfing experience.
(Just no "duuuuude" experience)
Boaters in the mix were not a problem—but they are now—and
are being banned in several places.
PWCs have close calls too?
Now empathize with the boater who doesn't have an engine in order to swerve. Sailboats and kayaks
can't swerve.
BTW, All collisions are 150' infractions: If your PWC is damaged and needs less than $2000 to repair, a report to NHMP is unnecessary. (A recent change for NH boaters—upped from $500).
...but the statistic is lost: The Coast Guard estimates that only 10% of non-fatal collision reports make it to their desk.
Managing boaters traveling at 70 to 130+ is not
micromanaging: it's managing
protected inland waters from the criss-crossing of boats traveling at wide-open (and insane) speeds. IMHO.
Hmmm...riderless?
The quantity of "incidents" with riderless and overpowered 4½-ton boats are legion. Long Lake's "driver-free ride" last year endangered lake dwellers 130 feet up from the shoreline. (Not a record, BTW...
500 feet is a recent record.)
How many "riderless" incidents have there been on Winnipesaukee? You posted a picture of a riderless jet ski going down the face of a 12 foot wave. What does that have to do with a speed limit on Lake Winni?
1) Director Barrett's "Temporary Speed Limit"
soothed the waters last season.
2) Certification with reciprocity is deeply flawed for New Hampshire—and a two year sunset provision is a good test, and Not Forever.
3)
I think the governor will sign it. Who would want the
ramifications of the next incident on
his hands?