June 2017 Newsletter: Fatal Boat Crash Shook Lake George’s Serenity

Most of us saw a headline similar to this last summer.

We relived this event through the news of the investigation, arrests and trial. It hammered home the fact that a wonderful day on the lake can turn tragic. The Ballston Lake Improvement Association is putting forward a strong emphasis on safety. A Boating Safety Course was recently presented by BLIA and a number of Ballston Lake residents took part. BLIA has formed a Safety Committee and a detailed article is included in this edition. Please take the time to read it. Some New York State Regulations that are especially important to boating on Ballston Lake are:

1. NYS LAW- Within 100 feet of shore, reduce speed to 5 miles per hour.
2. Rules of the Road- When two boats are meeting head on, neither has the ‘right of way”. Each boat turns to their right (starboard) and they pass left side to left side.
3. When there is a passing situation, the boat that is being passed has the right of way. The boat doing the passing must exercise proper judgment and keep clear of the boat that is being passed.

Please operate your boat like your life depends on it….. it does. Let’s have a safe, courteous and fun summer on Ballston Lake.
Pete Herman, President- BLIA