June Boating Safety Update

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL

Under a new NYS law, known as Brianna’s Law, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020. All motor boat operators, REGARDLESS OF AGE will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.https://www.boatus.org/newyork/

Safety around the Lake

This time of year always brings out spring cleaning, house/camp projects, and lots of swimming, paddling and boating activities. The last thing anyone is likely thinking about is an accident that could derail your summer activities.

Think about the last time you had an accident As a result of the accident, you might have been hurt, or hurt someone else, or damaged something. Usually the accident was caused by one of four things:

• Eyes not on the task,
• Mind not on the task,
• Putting yourself in the Line of Fire, or
• Losing your Balance, Traction or Grip

Now think back and consider before this accident if you were Rushing, Frustrated, Fatigued or Complacent. How many times after an accident have I heard “but I’ve done that a million times!”.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the amount of accident damage depends on the amount of hazardous energy, so a mistake on the lake in a kayak, likely will not have the same damage impact as a motorboat or jet ski. Think back to that earlier accident… could it have been worse? How worse?

The good news is that with some practice we can recognize when we are in some of the “dangerous states” such as Rushing, Frustration, Fatigue, or Complacency and self-trigger, or remind yourself, to be extra careful, or to take a break and cool down.

We are all neighbors, and we want everyone to be safe and enjoy the summer!

Wakeboat Etiquette Tips

Wakeboarding is a fun new activity on our lake. Boats designed to make jumbo waves for riding can cause problems for other boaters and property owners if we are not careful. Let’s share the water responsibly as good neighbors!

From Boat US.

• Stay at least 150 feet away from structures or shore; ride the core, avoid the shore.
• Minimize repetitive passes.
• Drive a predicted path. On Ballston Lake, boats are recommended to travel in a counterclockwise traffic flow.
• Avoid close passes to other boats, especially kayaks and paddleboards, and don’t follow another boat too closely.
• Look before you turn.
• Refrain from tricks when near other boats.
• Early morning times usually have less traffic.
• Keep in mind that local boating laws and navigation rules still apply. Follow them and everyone will enjoy their time on the water we share.
• Keep music at a responsible level; sound travels much farther than you think on the water, and loud music can ruin other boaters’ peace and quiet.