7507-R3_LSLA_2021_SummerNewsletter_Web

Safety Patrol From Sharon

As we approach the Summer of 2021, we are expecting another year of Mainers staying close to home and locals flocking to our lake. In other words, it will be busy out on the water! We all look to Little Sebago Lake to offer a bit of normalcy, nurture and nature. That said, it will take all of us working together to keep everyone safe! Last year we recorded an increase of 43% in the number of boats being launched at the boat ramp. We responded with a 33% increase in coverage from the warden service which resulted in a 57% increase in the number of vessels stopped. This year your board has developed another proactive approach and plan. We will be educating the first timers and novice drivers. And we will expand our presence at the boat ramp by offering a warm welcome mixed with reminders of the law, printed materials, advice, life jackets if needed and contact information. The Patrol Boat, captained and managed by Roger Leblanc and his crew of John Bernier, Kate Martin, and Steve Sayian, will be on the water more than ever. We expect to expand our hours and be out as much as possible. The primary role of the boat is to be a calming presence. We observe boating behavior, promote the association, provide life preservers and assistance when needed, educate, and be a constant reminder to all that safety matters. Each year we try to expand and improve the program and look for any emerging needs. This year along with just being a calming force, we will also be focusing on educating the public about the many islands that dot our lake. Each and every island on Little Sebago has an owner. Every island is therefore private property and not available for public use. With the increasing popularity of our lake to day- trippers, island owners have had

to deal with trespassing, littering, and their land being used as a rest room for humans and their pets. We have prepared educational materials to hand out to any visitors who trespass on private property. We will also be managing the schedule for the State of Maine Wardens to be on our lake most every weekend and during the week of the fourth of July. Last year, they were with us 20 days and checked a total of 876 boats. That is close to 44 interactions per day. They wrote 19 summonses and issued 60 warnings. While on the lake they were able to investigate two incidents One involving a collision of two personal water crafts and one intoxication incident where medical attention was delivered. The summonses written were: 10 for not enough personal floatation devices, 3 for unregistered vessel, 3 for headway speed violations and 3 for towing without an observer. We will again be sponsoring the National Association of State Boating Law class on a date in June to be determined. Please look for more information on our website and or be sure you have provided us with a good email address so we can send the details when they are complete. The State of Maine is also offering many classes throughout the area. Information can be found at www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/ safety-courses/boating-safety. If you cannot find a course, call the regional safety coordinator at 207-287-5220. We will cover the cost of any supporting member of our association who chooses to take any of these classes. Finally, we continue to work with the towns of Windham and Gray along with the Emergency Dispatch Center. Predetermined access points

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