New boater numbers
NHLAKES.org recntly posted a webinar : "Boating Safety 101" featuring Captain Dunleavy. One thing that struck me was that MP usually issues about 4000 new safe boater certificates a year. Last year (no proctored exam due to Covid) they had more like 35,000 do the online course. Not all of these people bought boats, and not all are on Winnipesaukee, but that's still a lot of inexperience spread around the state. We don't know how many took the class in another state where the safe passage rule doesn't exist.
The key these days is to keep a 360 degree watch, not just in front. Waiting for the night traffic at the July 4th fireworks. Prepare to be blinded by the captain with a new searchlight and or docking lights.
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