Waterfront Etiquette

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Tonight, 5 of us were sitting on the deck and a boat with 2 young couples stopped 75ft in front of our place. They killed the engine and one of the young men jumped up and went to the outboard engine. It got my attention as I was concerned they might be having trouble. He proceeded to lean on the motor, unzip his fly and pee in the lake. As he rezipped, I yelled out HEY! The four of them looked at us and I figured they got the message.


Then one of the young ladies went to the back of the boat and I figured, this is going to be interesting. She climbed down the ladder until her A$$ was in the water and paused for 30 seconds. Then she got back in the boat. They started the boat and left.


Fishermen can retrieve all the lures they want on my dock, but I don’t think that peeing in the lake right in front of my house comes even close to reasonable etiquette.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Tonight, 5 of us were sitting on the deck and a boat with 2 young couples stopped 75ft in front of our place. They killed the engine and one of the young men jumped up and went to the outboard engine. It got my attention as I was concerned they might be having trouble. He proceeded to lean on the motor, unzip his fly and pee in the lake. As he rezipped, I yelled out HEY! The four of them looked at us and I figured they got the message.


Then one of the young ladies went to the back of the boat and I figured, this is going to be interesting. She climbed down the ladder until her A$$ was in the water and paused for 30 seconds. Then she got back in the boat. They started the boat and left.


Fishermen can retrieve all the lures they want on my dock, but I don’t think that peeing in the lake right in front of my house comes even close to reasonable etiquette.

And that is the perfect example of boaters who give other boaters a bad reputation.

[RailroadJoe]

A video of them using the lake and then posted on YOUTUBE might help. Of course, then you have the legal problem if they talk, because you did not get their permission. Either way I would have taken pictures and given them to the MP.

[Webbsatwinni]

1st, this was a great Sunday read on the desk watching the early people fishing and drinking my coffee!

2nd, most people fishing are respectful and it's great to be sharing the lake in all kinds of ways and I think that is something that is lost on some people.

There are two things that I have experienced that I feel go beyond sharing. One is that people fishing troll up with thier main motor running directly into the area in front of our dock while we have kids in the water. Last year we had one guy go between two kids that were less than 15ft apart. The other is casting into the area that the kids are, we have had people cast into our dock area over the heads of the kids.

I'm into sharing the lake and feel that each person does it in his / her own way and we should all respect that. But there is a line of safety and common sence and we have seen that line crossed too many times since being on the island.

[Alton Bay]

And what do you suppose all the ice fishermen do to relieve themselves all winter when they are out fishing and drinking?? And where do all those beer cans go?

It's not an issue unique to summer :-(

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay

And where do all those beer cans go?It's not an issue unique to summer :-(

I find that almost all bring the trash with them...in the summer are you cleaning up tons of beers cans, or bottles?

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay

And what do you suppose all the ice fishermen do to relieve themselves all winter when they are out fishing and drinking?? And where do all those beer cans go?

It's not an issue unique to summer :-(

Not ALL ice fishermen do this! Some and many of us take pride in how we conduct ourselves and do not throw trash (beer cans, etc) in the the lake. What we carry in we carry out. Yes there are some slobs out there but you don't have to be an ice fishermen to be a slob. Please don't lump us all in the same category!

Dan

[Alton Bay]

Sorry, no. I didn't mean to say that all ice fisherman litter. The boat ramp near my home often has a bunch of beer cans strewn about at the end of the weekend. I will attest to that.
Certainly not everyone does it, but there are some that do :-(

I don't ice fish, but seriously...where does one pee when ice fishing??

[RailroadJoe]

In Alton Bay is the best restroom of any of the towns with a dock. Wolfeboro has a small one in the restaurant at the docks, Meredith is a big ? and as for the others, well.

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

... Meredith is a big ? ...

As you are facing inland from the lake, go to the street corner on the right. Walk up the hill two blocks and go left. It is a small building on the right hand side of the street. It's easily a quarter mile walk. I estimate that to be just barely not close enough for someone with a fast digestive track.

[RailroadJoe]

A quarter mile! It faster to go to the Mill. They have them about 1 flight up.

[jrc]

Wow, I've been coming to the lake for decades and never remember seeing someone standing up and peeing off a boat. I'm sure people pee in the lake all the time and everywhere but there is something extra rude about unzipping, exposing yourself and peeing in the lake.

[tis]

Another coincidence.. My neighbor just told me he saw someone going in the lake today and it was the first time he has ever seen it. Maybe it is an epidemic.

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by jrc

Wow, I've been coming to the lake for decades and never remember seeing someone standing up and peeing off a boat. I'm sure people pee in the lake all the time and everywhere but there is something extra rude about unzipping, exposing yourself and peeing in the lake.

I sometimes see people pee in the lake as they go through the NWZ. Last year a young man went slowly by our place while he stood on the swim platform and relieved himself in the water. He was swinging his hips back and forth and really enjoying himself. We took his picture, got the bow number and called Marine Patrol. He was taken into custody and ended up before a judge getting a $500 fine and a record that will follow him all of his life.

In truth he was lucky because he could have been charged with exposing himself and that means "Registered Sex Offender".

Public urination is a crime.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I sometimes see people pee in the lake as they go through the NWZ. Last year a young man went slowly by our place while he stood on the swim platform and relieved himself in the water. He was swinging his hips back and forth and really enjoying himself. We took his picture, got the bow number and called Marine Patrol. He was taken into custody and ended up before a judge getting a $500 fine and a record that will follow him all of his life.

In truth he was lucky because he could have been charged with exposing himself and that means "Registered Sex Offender".

Public urination is a crime.

Every now and then the system does work.

[no-engine]

In ocean with no coast or boats in sight, is one thing, but this is indescribable!

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by no-engine

In ocean with no coast or boats in sight, is one thing, but this is indescribable!

Be thankful there's no cruise ships on Winni!

"According to Oceana (an organization whose mission is to protect the world's oceans}, the cruise-ship industry dumps 255,000 gallons of gray water and 30,000 gallons of black water into the ocean every day. The United States allows cruise ships to dump untreated sewage into the water as long as the ship is 3 miles away from shore. If the cruise ship treats the sewage, the 3-mile restriction does not count, and the sewage can be dumped anywhere. Alaska is the only place within United States waters that does not allow dumping."

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I sometimes see people pee in the lake as they go through the NWZ. Last year a young man went slowly by our place while he stood on the swim platform and relieved himself in the water. He was swinging his hips back and forth and really enjoying himself. We took his picture, got the bow number and called Marine Patrol. He was taken into custody and ended up before a judge getting a $500 fine and a record that will follow him all of his life.
not
In truth he was lucky because he could have been charged with exposing himself and that means "Registered Sex Offender".

Public urination is a crime.

Not to say that you were wrong by turning this guy in, but I couldn't do that to him because I know that he could be on the "Registered Sex Offender" list. As it turned out he has a record that will probably follow him for the rest of his life. I just couldn't ruin a young man's life that way.
What would I have done? Probably called the guy an idiot and hoped that he would not do that again in my presence.

[NoBozo]

I can sympathize totally with the posters above. But when Nature calls..are you expected to HOLD It ..and explode..?? NB

PS: The perps in front of RGs place might be responsive to a faulty ice circulator..with a stray current problem. Maybe RG could rig up something so he could flip a switch when the perps come back..they probably will because RG reacted to them....Even a guy peeing into the lake would feel a "Tingle" going up his leg..through the stream.

[Lakegeezer]

There are over 500 billion gallons of water in lake Winnipesaukee. Pee is 95% water. The non-water content of a generous quart of "contribution" is about one part in 40 trillion. The biggest chemical problem in the lake, Phosphorus, is measured in parts per billion, and pee has only a trace. Few enjoy watching others answering to the call of nature and it may be illegal, but the lake will not really notice.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I sometimes see people pee in the lake as they go through the NWZ. Last year a young man went slowly by our place while he stood on the swim platform and relieved himself in the water. He was swinging his hips back and forth and really enjoying himself. We took his picture, got the bow number and called Marine Patrol. He was taken into custody and ended up before a judge getting a $500 fine and a record that will follow him all of his life.

In truth he was lucky because he could have been charged with exposing himself and that means "Registered Sex Offender".

Public urination is a crime.

In the old days the young man would have gotten a strong talking to by a law enforcement officer and maybe a weekend of community service. He likely would have remembered the painful lesson and shaped up. Now as you state he will have a record. I'm not sure this outcome improves the end result but I'm glad it makes you feel good.

I don't disagree that public urination can be disgusting and I certainly recoil when I see younger folks making spectacles of themselves. However, I have learned to take a deep breath and reflect back upon my youth and to some of the things that I did back then that I wish I hadn't.

Finally, if public urination is a crime I'd like to know if there is any man out there, including you Bear Islander, who can plead innocent to this "crime"?

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

In the old days the young man would have gotten a strong talking to by a law enforcement officer and maybe a weekend of community service. He likely would have remembered the painful lesson and shaped up. Now as you state he will have a record. I'm not sure this outcome improves the end result but I'm glad it makes you feel good.

I don't disagree that public urination can be disgusting and I certainly recoil when I see younger folks making spectacles of themselves. However, I have learned to take a deep breath and reflect back upon my youth and to some of the things that I did back then that I wish I hadn't.

Finally, if public urination is a crime I'd like to know if there is any man out there, including you Bear Islander, who can plead innocent to this "crime"?

1. In the old days people cared about others. Not the case now a day as some of today's youth would just as soon shoot you as look at you.
2. More and more you hear about repeat offenders.
3. There is big difference between urinating in private and making a show of it in front of people and not caring.
First of all let me say I pee in the lake every time I'm out on it. Weather they say so or not probably 90% of boaters do at some time if not regularly, I do not think that is the issue here. Getting up and doing it within easy sight of houses and possible children is. As you mentioned most probably do it but we don't do it without making sure no one can see us. I carry a bottle from the hospital on my boat for day use and dump it. At night or in the middle of the broads with no one around is not an issue.
Once again it is the difference between using common sense and having no common sense.

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

Finally, if public urination is a crime I'd like to know if there is any man out there, including you Bear Islander, who can plead innocent to this "crime"?

I am innocent of this crime.

645:1-a Public Urination or Defecation. A person is guilty of a violation if such person urinates or defecates in a public place, other than a public restroom, under circumstances where the person knew or should have known would likely cause affront or alarm to another.


I will add that I only decided to press charges after I was informed that all six occupants of the boat in question signed a statement saying that it never happened. If they had owned up to it I would have dropped it. The Marine Patrol officer didn't tell them about the picture until after they had signed.

[KonaChick]

After he was taken into custody was it up to you to "drop it" or was it up to the State of NH at that point? I agree it's disgusting and at your vantage point on the lake you must see quite a bit that the rest of us do not. I do not agree however with the turn this could have taken. The prosecutor decided to agree to lesser charges obviously but if he had not this young man's life could have been ruined permanently because of one bad choice. I'm not making excuses for his horrible behavior but if he had been labeled a registered sex offender because of it then the punishment would not have fit the crime and IMHO the system did not work!!

It's a moot point because it did not happen but could have, according to you. I would not want that on my conscience for the rest of my life. Your life goes on unaffected but this young man's life could have been damaged to the point of no return because of one bad decision. Once again, I do not agree with his behavior.

[NoBozo]

I'm actually more annoyed that ALL six people LIED and then swore to it......than someone peeing in the lake. So TWO mistakes were made. Doing the deed and then lying about it. NB

[NoRegrets]

Laws are laws and I for one believe we have way too many of them. Many third world cultures behave like this. Are we heading toward that level of society? Nature cannot be stopped and when she calls action must be taken. I was brought up to be discrete and put up with a little pain if necessary.

The lack of respect that BI caught is wrong based on the values my parents gave me. The values that are now being infused into our society reflect the disrespect of a younger and more informed generation. I guess my parents were alarmed with the hippies of the 60's and 70's. Now we are witnessing a new norm.

[MDoug]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I'm actually more annoyed that ALL six people LIED and then swore to it......than someone peeing in the lake. So TWO mistakes were made. Doing the deed and then lying about it. NB

Lucky that the fellow didn't hire a Georgia lawyer and sue for having a photo taken of him and thus violating his right to privacy!

[secondcurve]

"I am innocent of this crime".

I should have realized you were above it all!

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay

I don't ice fish, but seriously...where does one pee when ice fishing??

Most will go to the nearest shoreline or island nearby. My bob house and a few others I know are also equipped with these. http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Produ...=bathroom+bags They work well. No need to pee on the ice! I can guarantee you that more pee goes in the lake during the summer than it does during ice fishing season...

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay

Sorry, no. I didn't mean to say that all ice fisherman litter. The boat ramp near my home often has a bunch of beer cans strewn about at the end of the weekend. I will attest to that.
Certainly not everyone does it, but there are some that do :-(

I don't ice fish, but seriously...where does one pee when ice fishing??

DEPENDS

[Newbiesaukee]

.....best reply ever

[NH_boater]

I fish almost everyday. I run across very rude fisherman occasionally, the ones who approach the Spot where you are already fishing and cast right into your area. I refuse to do the same and am careful to avoid other fisherman. I could not imagine casting into swimmers or other boats. I sometimes find people relaxing on the docks as I approach. I apologize for disturbing them and they always are very nice back to me. Sometimes a simple smile and a wave gets the same back.

Rude people, often from other regions do damage the environment. We find rude people in all aspects of our lives, work, driving, shopping, boating, etc. I try my best to ignore them and enjoy my day.

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

A video of them using the lake and then posted on YOUTUBE might help. Of course, then you have the legal problem if they talk, because you did not get their permission. Either way I would have taken pictures and given them to the MP.

Not a good idea. Even if folks are doing things beyond the realm of common sense, other folks will tell,you it's none of your business.

(lol...)

[tis]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Tonight, 5 of us were sitting on the deck and a boat with 2 young couples stopped 75ft in front of our place. They killed the engine and one of the young men jumped up and went to the outboard engine. It got my attention as I was concerned they might be having trouble. He proceeded to lean on the motor, unzip his fly and pee in the lake. As he rezipped, I yelled out HEY! The four of them looked at us and I figured they got the message.


Then one of the young ladies went to the back of the boat and I figured, this is going to be interesting. She climbed down the ladder until her A$$ was in the water and paused for 30 seconds. Then she got back in the boat. They started the boat and left.


Fishermen can retrieve all the lures they want on my dock, but I don’t think that peeing in the lake right in front of my house comes even close to reasonable etiquette.

We see that happen quite often when boats are moored.

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Tonight, 5 of us were sitting on the deck and a boat with 2 young couples stopped 75ft in front of our place. They killed the engine and one of the young men jumped up and went to the outboard engine. It got my attention as I was concerned they might be having trouble. He proceeded to lean on the motor, unzip his fly and pee in the lake. As he rezipped, I yelled out HEY! The four of them looked at us and I figured they got the message.


Then one of the young ladies went to the back of the boat and I figured, this is going to be interesting. She climbed down the ladder until her A$$ was in the water and paused for 30 seconds. Then she got back in the boat. They started the boat and left.


Fishermen can retrieve all the lures they want on my dock, but I don’t think that peeing in the lake right in front of my house comes even close to reasonable etiquette.

Braun Bay, anybody? Ever notice that the water there seems to have a different "tint" than the rest of the lake?

[sky's]

this is mostly opinion? but i'll take a mountain view on top of Red Hill any day over waterfront property. as the economy gets better the lake will become more and more noisy. no thanks

[tis]

I have seen snowmobilers more than once, stop, zip it down and go on the ice. That probably isn't as bad as summer time in the lake though. Freezing must help do something?????

[Lake Fan]

“I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.” ― W.C. Fields

...and what about all those geese, ducks, loons, turtles, snakes, moose, deer, etc. that swim around in the lake?

Everyone out of the pool!

[holeinthewall]

From my vantage point, we see this behavior over and over again. People come through the hole in the wall headed south, apparently realize they have a ways to go and a person will either stand on the swim platform (male) or squat and relieve themselves. If they are close enough I will yell something like " HEY I DRINK THAT WATER!" I don't really but most of these boats are big enough to have a marine toilet and they should be using it.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Braun Bay, anybody? Ever notice that the water there seems to have a different "tint" than the rest of the lake?

Braun Bay has no water flow what so ever. So on any given W/E it is a good bet that the water far exceeds the bacteria count they shut down beaches for.
Years ago a friend that has lab access took a sample from Braun Bay to be tested. That was the last year I visited Braun Bay on a weekend.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

Braun Bay has no water flow what so ever. So on any given W/E it is a good bet that the water far exceeds the bacteria count they shut down beaches for.
Years ago a friend that has lab access took a sample from Braun Bay to be tested. That was the last year I visited Braun Bay on a weekend.

The water does look a little tinted in this video of Braun Bay Labor Day Weekend 2011:

[RailroadJoe]

And you all call that fun! I can think of a dozen places i would rather be then have that many people around me on such a huge lake to enjoy.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Fishermen can retrieve all the lures they want on my dock, but I don’t think that peeing in the lake right in front of my house comes even close to reasonable etiquette.

1) This weekend, I observed a kid—with mixed company on board—kneeling on the swim platform to pee.
→ If your boat has a swim platform, you should have a toilet on board—and be using it.

2) "We share the lake"—and everything in it.

3) Near me, 100± acres of grass is irrigated with phosphorus-laden lakewater: when the lawn is fertilized, the newly-concentrated mix gets redistributed back into the lake through surface waters.

4) ...and "Beer is only rented"...

5) Ever notice when things quiet down—like late on this past Sunday afternoon—the sea gulls move in?