FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scott Spradling
scott@spradlinggroup.com / 603-724-8092
July 7, 2020
NH LEGISLATIVE STUDY CONCLUDES EDUCATION KEY TO BOAT SAFETY ON NEW HAMPSHIRE LAKES
Important Guidelines for Boaters as NH Approaches the Height of Boating Season
CONCORD - A New Hampshire legislative study commission studying the impacts of so-called “wake boats” issued its final report last week, recommending further educational efforts for boaters on topics of boating safely and aquatic invasive species prevention (“AIS)”, as well as safety legislation aimed at protecting people who wakesurf. “Wake boat” is a slang term used for boats in the towboat segment of the marine industry, known for waterskiing, wakesurfing, wakeboarding and other towed watersports. The study commission was established during the 2019 session as a result of complaints about conflicts of use on the waterways.
“The Commission was diverse in its membership, including members of lake associations, marine dealers, water sport enthusiasts, and shorefront owners. We studied the positives and negatives of “wake boats" and their resultant waves, and ultimately how best to make our lakes safer and cleaner for future generations,” said Chairwoman Suzanne Smith (D-Hebron). Commission member Senator Ruth Ward, (R- Stoddard), stated she was “glad for the opportunity to participate in this Commission. I believe our report with guidelines for prevention of AIS, responsible behavior and stressing education for all boaters, will be a valuable tool.”
Chris Bischoff of the Water Sports Industry Association, an organization representing manufacturers, dealers and enthusiasts, stated “Towboats are a growing part of the boating industry. Boaters are responsible for their wake and must operate understanding this responsibility. WSIA’s national campaign to “Wake Responsibly” recommends staying 200 feet from shore, playing music at reasonable levels, and minimizing repetitive passes throughout the day as best practices when wakesurfing. Environmental issues, like how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), are critical to the success of boating overall. All boats, whether a fishing boat, towboat, cabin cruiser, canoe, or kayak, have the capability of spreading AIS in waterways. The industry is committed to doing our part to educate boaters on “Clean, Drain & Dry” efforts and advancing technology to mitigate these risks.”
Peter MacCallum, of MacCallum’s Boathouse on Northwood Lake in Epsom, offered boat demonstrations and education on the different types of boats, ballasts, and propulsion systems. “Families are attracted to towboats because of their versatility,” explained MacCallum. “Folks can go for a pleasure cruise, take the kids tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing safely in these boats. With COVID-19, interest in recreational boating has been strong – with more families seeking to get out on the lake, but we have to make sure boat operators understand the rules of the waterways, especially the 150 foot safe passage law, and take steps to safely and responsibly share the lakes with others.”
Former State Representative Pam Price, an owner of a towboat on Lake Sunapee, agreed. “We have a short boating season in New Hampshire and a nice weekend means it will be busy on the water. Our safe passage law requires boaters to stay 150 feet away from all other boats, shore, swimmers, and docks. We heard expert presentations on wave energy that showed that waves from wakesurfing, if done at the appropriate distance, are no more problematic than waves from a 10-mph wind. It is critical for boaters to be educated about our laws and practice good boating etiquette. As is typical with anything, a few bad apples cause the problems.”
The Commission did not agree on proposals to define “wake boats” or establish a local petition process that would allow people to petition the State to restrict wake boats and watersports from all or part of a lake. State Representative Michael Gunski (R-Goffstown) summed up the work of the Commission, “In New Hampshire, the waters belong to all of us under the State’s Public Trust Doctrine. That means everyone has open access to our lakes and ponds. This is why we need to enhance our efforts to educate boaters and support enforcement of our laws to address conflicts on the waterways.”
The Commission’s report is available on its website.
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/statstud...xtkeyword=wake