6892-R3_ML&P_LSLA_2019_WinterNewsletter

Safety Patrol Season of 2019 The summer of 2019 was a very busy one for us. We continued with our regular weekend patrols and most every day of the Fourth of July holiday week. The main goal of the LSLA Safety Patrol Boat is to be a presence on the lake, promoting good boating behavior and educating when appropriate. The drivers try to cruise the perimeter of the lake and then settle down in one of the busy areas such as the upper narrows or around the islands and sandbar. We were also able to help quite a few boats in distress this summer. The State of Maine warden service was on the lake 15 days and checked 558 boats, writing 33 summonses and issuing 29 warnings. Not enough personal floatation devices, headway speed violations and skiing without an observer made up the majority of the summonses. One driver was arrested for Operating Under the Influence and was escorted from the lake by Windham Police. Cumberland County Dispatch Center has approved and visited all of the Emergency Exit Sites and the new system is in place. If ever you have an emergency and need assistance while on the lake, dial 911 and you will be directed on where to meet emergency personnel. If you see illegal activity and wish to report the incident, please call the Dispatch Center non- emergency number 892-2810. It is my pleasure to manage this program, watch for ever evolving needs and try to come up with solutions.

Thank you all for your diligence and help in keeping us all safe!

Sharon Lamontagne

Photography by TerryMcDonnell

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