Jet-Ski Fatality Reported

[ApS]

What I'm reading elsewhere confirms sightings I witnessed mid-afternoon yesterday: sirens on land, and the inboard MP "speeding" to where the sirens stopped. The scene is near a Winnipesaukee association named "Osseo". It's unknown whether the victim was a passenger or not.

MP patrols had been high-profile and frequent there this weekend—extremely so.

[AC2717]

is there an article or something somewhere we can read about this?

[mcdude]

very sad....

Monday, July 2, 2007
Massachusetts teen dies while jet-skiing


WOLFEBORO, N.H. (AP) _ A Massachusetts teenager died Monday while jet-skiing in Winter Harbor on Lake Winnipesaukee.

The 15-year-old was late returning home, so his family went out searching for him. He was found in the water and CPR was done on him. The teen was pronounced dead at Huggins Memorial Hospital in Wolfeboro.

His name was not released.

[Islander2]

Very sad.

Question about NH boating laws: At what age are under 16 year olds allowed to operate watercraft over 25hp? My understanding was you had to be over 16. Is this correct?

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Islander2

Very sad.

Question about NH boating laws: At what age are under 16 year olds allowed to operate watercraft over 25hp? My understanding was you had to be over 16. Is this correct?

Yes, you must be 16 and have 16 year olds would also need to have their safety certificate onboard.

[sa meredith]

Are there any details as to what happened? Did he simply flip and drown, or perhaps come in contact with something???
Just curious. What a terrible thing!

[ApS]

Details seem to be in short supply in these lake-related news items; however, I can add that there were a total of three MP boats there at one point at the Osseo association. (Directly south of the Libby Museum, which is itself at the Wolfeboro-Tuftonboro town line).

While Osseo's monster welded-steel ice breaking pilings may be good for their community dock, (and not involved in this case to my knowledge) they don't "yield" when struck, like single pilings will. There was Osseo talk of removing them.


Why doesn't the State include the mandatory purchase ($15) of a "throwable device" to every new boat registrant? (A seat cushion).

It could be emblazoned with:

In NH,
1) You must be 16—with a certificate—to operate a boat
2) You must stay 150-feet from all other boats/shore/obstructions at speed
3) BAC level of >.03 is trouble
4) MPs: (877) 642-9700
5) Some other reminder...

And on the other side, the "Rules of the Road".

[skprbob]

The local news all seem to be limited to the sketchy AP article - nothing in depth yet. However, two thoughts:

The article doesn't mention any involvement with the Osseo facility, so any implication about it such as steel pilings, etc is pure speculation. Just because the accident may have happened nearby does not automatically get Osseo involved!

According to the articles, the deceased was 15, was "jet-skiing", and was wearing a PFD. We do not know what kind of "jet-ski" it was and this creates two possible problems: if the vessel was a legally defined "PWC" (the one or two person variety) then the deceased was operating illegally since no one under 16 can operate such craft, regardless of horsepower. If the craft was the three or more person variety, then he was very likely also illegal since no one under 16 can operate such a craft if it exceeded 25 horsepower. Rock and a hard place - sad.

[kjbathe]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

Why doesn't the State include the mandatory purchase ($15) of a "throwable device" to every new boat registrant? (A seat cushion).

Did you really just suggest another mandatory purchase/fee here? Are we not paying enough in taxes now? Do we need more fees and regulation? And if under-age operators aren't abiding by the rules now, if the certification process is a hassle, if gas prices are already too high, and, and... what would possibly make you think that it's a good idea to have the State mandate the purchase of a "Rules of the Road" boat cushion -- that especially won't make it on the water with most PWCs and their riders?

That being said, if you want to print them, sell them, and donate some of the proceeds to Marine Patrol, then that is an excellent idea. But please, finding more things for the State to do while dipping into our wallets to do so? No, I'm not looking for my State to be in the boat cushion business...

Would they be available with blue letters on a white cushion?

[Aquadeziac]

Originally Posted by skprbob

two possible problems: if the vessel was a legally defined "PWC" (the one or two person variety) then the deceased was operating illegally since no one under 16 can operate such craft, regardless of horsepower.
If the craft was the three or more person variety, then he was very likely also illegal since no one under 16 can operate such a craft if it exceeded 25 horsepower. Rock and a hard place - sad.

So there aren't two possible problems, there is just one Basically no matter what he was driving, it was illegal. Pure and simple.

[secondcurve]

Aqua:

Have a little sympathy. This was a 15-year old boy. Were you following all of life's rules at that age? I know I wasn't.

[Gavia immer]

Originally Posted by skprbob

The local news all seem to be limited to the sketchy AP article - nothing in depth yet. However, two thoughts: The article doesn't mention any involvement with the Osseo facility, so any implication about it such as steel pilings, etc is pure speculation.

Speculation is all that remains for the greater boating public. Because there's been no follow up report, the incident remains sketchy. The victim's name gets public exposure, but how will boaters learn improved safety about PWC operation and possibly an improved PFD selection from this abbreviated article? If the investigating authorities were more open to the press about every boating incident around us, we might be smarter boaters, voters, and jurors.

[Alton Bay Bob]

Below is a link to a local Massachusetts paper that celebrates a young life... something we all should do... Every life lost in our great lake is a loss to all of us. The end of the article mentions that there was little damage to his PWC
http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/ci_6304008

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Originally Posted by Gavia immer

Speculation is all that remains for the greater boating public. Because there's been no follow up report, the incident remains sketchy. The victim's name gets public exposure, but how will boaters learn improved safety about PWC operation and possibly an improved PFD selection from this abbreviated article? If the investigating authorities were more open to the press about every boating incident around us, we might be smarter boaters, voters, and jurors.

As a concerned parent of 2 teenage sons with a PWC, we were anxious to learn what went wrong so we could add that lesson to the list we caution our kids about when they head out for some risky fun. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by kjbathe

"...Did you really just suggest another mandatory purchase/fee here? Are we not paying enough in taxes now...?"

True, you don't get much in the way of tangible goods for your "fee".

But you'd have a physical object to read, hold, sit on, or even throw away! (In an emergency, that is).

Originally Posted by kjbathe

"...and, and... what would possibly make you think that it's a good idea to have the State mandate the purchase of a "Rules of the Road" boat cushion -- that especially won't make it on the water with most PWCs and their riders...?

PWC riders would see the rules at least once—own a "throwable device" to replace whatever they use today—and the cushion could see another life on a more suitable vessel.

Mind you, we knew boating's rules from the boat cushions of yesteryear—which had the rules printed on them. This is not a new idea.

Originally Posted by kjbathe

"...That being said, if you want to print them, sell them, and donate some of the proceeds to Marine Patrol, then that is an excellent idea. But please, finding more things for the State to do while dipping into our wallets to do so? No, I'm not looking for my State to be in the boat cushion business..."

Donatiing the proceeds to the NHMP, so the state then could distribute permanent rules—and a safety device—for free? Good idea!

Right you are: I'll toss our ideas to that pre-eminent safety organization, the NHRBA.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

....
PWC riders would see the rules at least once—own a "throwable device" to replace whatever they use today—and the cushion could see another life on a more suitable vessel.
....

Unless they're over 50 or operating illegally, all PWC riders have seen the rules and passed a test on the rules. One of those rules says that a PWC doesn't need a throw cushion. Maybe it's time for a refresher?

[ApS]

A "refresher" is all that's being asked for.

Free NHRBA throwable-devices, printed with a few NH-specific rules, would spread those reminders around the state. In addition to appearing aboard boats, they could even make the rules appear at docks, outdoor restaurants, picnic tables, and parades. Visitors, especially, need to be refreshed in NH-specific rules.

It would be good for everybody: those over 50, boaters who might instead operate illegally, and certainly the parents of underaged children who might operate a Jet-Ski beyond their home state.

A throw-cushion can be a lifesaver: it's wrong that an entire boat class should be exempted from carrying any life-saving device—especially a class of boat "so everywhere" on the lake.

When more than one person needs rescuing, it's an absolute necessity. IMHO.

[topwater]

Why??? Did his parents let him use the PWC. Aren't they partially at blame here? YES it is a tragedy that a young person lost his life!! But common sense should have come into play here, BY THE PARENTS!!!. Kids at 15 years of age for the most part have NO common sense, they just think its a COOL thing to be able to do. Once again, ADULTS with NO common sense are ultimately the reason for a SAD SAD situation.

[Cobalt]

Some things are better left unsaid.

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

Free NHRBA throwable-devices, printed with a few NH-specific rules, would spread those reminders around the state. In addition to appearing aboard boats, they could even make the rules appear at docks, outdoor restaurants, picnic tables, and parades. Visitors, especially, need to be refreshed in NH-specific rules.

It would be good for everybody: those over 50, boaters who might instead operate illegally, and certainly the parents of underaged children who might operate a Jet-Ski beyond their home state.

A throw-cushion can be a lifesaver: it's wrong that an entire boat class should be exempted from carrying any life-saving device—especially a class of boat "so everywhere" on the lake.

When more than one person needs rescuing, it's an absolute necessity. IMHO.

Great idea, why don't you join NHRBA and help fund it? Or better yet since Winnfabs is making the crusade for safety they can pay for it.

Your post does bring up a few good points and some that have nothing to do with anything at all. It is important for visitors and out of staters to be informed of NH-specific boating rules. I do agree that PWC should have to carry some sort of throwable device for added safety, however being that PWC riders must wear a PFD they are one step ahead in safety over the average boater who is not wearing one at all times, if at all.

Why bring up throwables and Osseo's ice pilings? I have not seen any reports confirming that anything was struck in the accident. A throwable would not have helped out if the rider was alone and the throwable was stowed inside the PWC...

[NightWing]

Originally Posted by codeman671

informed of NH-specific boating rules. I do agree that PWC should have to carry some sort of throwable device for added safety, however being that PWC riders must wear a PFD they are one step ahead in safety over the average boater who is not wearing one at all times, if at all.

Check your terminology. A PWC MAY be classified as a boat if it doesn't meet the criteria of a Ski Craft, therefore wearing of a PFD is not required. An example would be a three person PWC which is classified as a boat and is only required to carry a PFD for every person on board. Certainly, most three person PWC riders do wear a PFD (great idea) but are not required to.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by NightWing

Check your terminology. A PWC MAY be classified as a boat if it doesn't meet the criteria of a Ski Craft, therefore wearing of a PFD is not required. An example would be a three person PWC which is classified as a boat and is only required to carry a PFD for every person on board. Certainly, most three person PWC riders do wear a PFD (great idea) but are not required to.

There is no good place to put a throwable device on a PWC, nor any need. As you point out, it the law that all riders wear a PFD. So, there is no need for a throwable for bouyancy. If the driver of the PWC falls off, then the craft will stop...otherwise the driver can pickup the passenger.

This is about people taking care when boating no matter what they are driving.

Jetskier

[jrc]

Two seat PWC are classified as Ski Craft in NH and they have additional rules, like requiring the operator (not the passenger?) to wear a PFD.

Three seat PWC are boats and have no additional rules. But since all PFD must be readily accessible, you pretty much have to wear it. Inside the PWC won't cut it.

All boats (PWC, Ski Craft, canoe, kayak, sailboat) under 16 feet do not require a throwable PFD. Probably because it would be burdensome to carry them on a small craft.

[NightWing]

Originally Posted by jrc

Three seat PWC are boats and have no additional rules. But since all PFD must be readily accessible, you pretty much have to wear it. Inside the PWC won't cut it.

Readily accessible is defined as within arm's reach. Theoretically, arm's reach could be in a compartment or under the seat as long as it was within reach of the riders. If in doubt, the PFD could be opened up and sat upon. Interpreting the law to require wearing of the PFD on a three seater would be a real stretch. I don't think the courts would allow it. The only exception would be a type V inflatable which must be worn to be counted.

I am not discounting the wearing of a PFD on a three seat PWC. I think it would be insane not to. However, the law has not drilled down far enough on this issue to require it on the larger PWCs.

[NightWing]

Originally Posted by jetskier

As you point out, it the law that all riders wear a PFD.

Jetskier

Read my post again. Wearing of PFDs is required on Ski Craft, but not on the larger three person machines, which are classified and registered as boats.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by NightWing

Readily accessible is defined as within arm's reach....

It's not defined in the law, so it's up to the MP and then a judge.

I was speaking from a practical point of view not a legal one. You have to work to find a place to stow a PFD on a PWC that's readily accessible, so most people just wear them.

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by NightWing

Check your terminology. A PWC MAY be classified as a boat if it doesn't meet the criteria of a Ski Craft, therefore wearing of a PFD is not required. An example would be a three person PWC which is classified as a boat and is only required to carry a PFD for every person on board. Certainly, most three person PWC riders do wear a PFD (great idea) but are not required to.

New Hampshire law defines a “ski craft” as any motorized vessel that is less than 13 feet in length, is capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour, and has the capacity to carry no more than an operator and one other person. This puts a 3 seater in an awkward category being that it meets the legal definition of being under 13 feet long and exceeding 20mph yet it can carry more than 2 people. A "ski craft" operator and passenger must wear acceptable PFD's. I am surprised that this definition has not been changed as of yet. Its rather funny though that the picture on the page of the online handbook pertaining to ski craft shows a 4 seater seadoo LRV, and other pages refer to both PWC and ski craft together...


I have seen people on 3 seaters be stopped before for not wearing a pfd, and made to go home.

[NightWing]

All Ski Craft are PWCs, but not all PWCs are Ski Craft.

As far as correctness of pictures, the company publishing the booklet uses what they have or what they think looks good. In fact, they may know little or nothing about boating. Their business is publishing books and booklets for many markets. The NH booklet is a massaged version of a boating guide put out by many states. The important thing to remember is that it is a guide, not a law book.

The people you saw who were sent home most likely didn't have any PFDs available. However, correct protocol would have been for MP to lend PFDs to make the craft legal and escort the vessel straight back to shore. That being said, it is unlikely they were "sent home" because there is no authority to terminate a voyage or send someone home and the MP would have the duty of care once the officer realized there were insufficient PFDs on the vessel. An escort to shore would be required.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by codeman671

"...Great idea, why don't you join NHRBA and help fund it...?"

Because WinnFABS is grass-roots funded, and NHRBA is special-interest funded?

The most frequently broken regulations are New Hampshire-only regulations! If NHRBA had funded these cushions years ago, the State could have dodged the "Education" program costs altogether.

Accepting the requirements of other states does not equate to educating boaters on New Hampshire regulations!

Originally Posted by codeman671

"...Why bring up throwables and Osseo's ice pilings? I have not seen any reports confirming that anything was struck in the accident.

I'm not the lone resident around here that's wondering about it—maybe first take a look at those particular steel pilings at the scene?

Originally Posted by codeman671

"...A throwable would not have helped out if the rider was alone and the throwable was stowed inside the PWC..."

A good point—and fixable.

I'd suggest that NHRBA put industrial-strength Velcro strips on their free cushions. The Velcro mating strips could be attached to the transom of the PWC—by the dealer if necessary.

Even if the cushion got knocked off by an ejected passenger, that would an opportunity to read the regulations printed on both sides of the cushion!

[4Fun]

It sounds like a good idea but a person stupid enough not to wear a PFD on a 3 seater or "ski craft" is not going to even know there is a rule about it. It a waste of time to put it in place. Let's concentrate on rules that create a safer lake for the OTHER people around the bad boater. Don't create legislation to protect me from myself. Create it to protect me for other people.

FWIW My condolences go out to the boys family.

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by 4Fun

Don't create legislation to protect me from myself. Create it to protect me for other people.

Amen to that.

[Gavia immer]

Originally Posted by 4Fun

Don't create legislation to protect me from myself. Create it to protect me for other people.

If the driver is required to buckle his seat belt, the driver will be protecting himself for other people.

[John A. Birdsall]

as a teenager with a wooden boat we had those throwable cushions and let me tell you they saved my fan-tail from the mounts waves many a time. I can see the lettering coming off now in the hot sun and going onto the bottom of the bathing suit.

I think a decal could be issued with the registration that would allow one to put on or near the dashboard of the boat. I have decals on my dash that gives ocean bouy system. On the dash at least it won't be on the can, for someone else to read. and it would not be that expensive to put out.

[Gatto Nero]

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

I think a decal could be issued with the registration that would allow one to put on or near the dashboard of the boat. I have decals on my dash that gives ocean bouy system. On the dash at least it won't be on the can, for someone else to read. and it would not be that expensive to put out.

Fay's Boat Yard sells a decal for $2 that explains our buoy system. It also has their name right at the top of it so they get the benefit of the advertising. I put one on every vessel I have as easy reminder for the kids and myself. I have another one, I think also from Fay's, that includes a graphic showing right of way. I would think that other marinas on the lake would do the same thing, and maybe explain some of the other rules such as the 150' rule, as well.

[robmac]

I have purchased a buoy decal for all of my boats from Thurstons,a great tool especially on unfamilar waterways

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Gavia immer

If the driver is required to buckle his seat belt, the driver will be protecting himself for other people.

Nice twist, but I'll make that decision for myself.

[Paugus Bay Resident]

I have purchased a buoy decal for all of my boats from Thurstons,a great tool especially on unfamilar waterways

Marine Patrol has started printing these and distributing them to marinas (free), you can also get them (free) at Parafunalia.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by codeman671

"...Why bring up throwables and Osseo's ice pilings? I have not seen any reports confirming that anything was struck in the accident..."

I checked back last week and nobody knows more than before—only that the MPs did inspect the steel pilings as part of their investigation.

So I photographed the welded I-beam pilings for your perusal: