Boating Accident Statistics NH - 2006

[overlook]

Originally Posted by Evenstar

Why? I’ve tried to explain why, but you guys just don’t get it. Many paddlers are staying off some of the main lakes in New Hampshire due to fear of being run over. That’s a fact.

You guys argue that our fears are irrational, but these fears are not only real, they are based on common sense. We don’t want to be statistics, so less paddlers are going out on Winnipesaukee. One of the main reasons that the number of accidents isn’t higher is due to the reduced number of paddlers out on the main lake in recent years.

If the public feels that public waters are unsafe because power boats are allowed to travel at unlimited speeds, then that alone is enough reason for a speed limit.

Why do you say there are less paddlers out? What info. are you obtaining this from? I personally view more paddlers out than ever, including myself. I recall last summer about 20 paddlers all out together going around Rattlesnake, This I have never seen before. If I chose to go out on a windy day in the broads, then I would have fear. If I chose to go out down the channel on Sunday afternoon, Then I would have fear. But I do not, and I base that on common sense.
I believe the public is misled into believing that that NH waterways have no speed limits at all, in fact a speed of 6mph is required at 150' safe passage, even though no wake has no number, the word slow is used.
Every boat has a limit to what speed it can travel in order to comply with NH laws. In my opinion the words "unlimited speeds" should not be applied.

If safety was the real concern, then they should start with the usage of NH waters that is the most hazardous, and go from there.

If fear is the concern, then common sense and an educated boater is the answer.