Marine Patrol To Enforce Rafting Laws, Marine Patrol Headquarters, 31 Dock Rd, Gilford NH

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, the New Hampshire State Police-Marine Patrol Unit is asking boaters who frequent regulated rafting areas on state waters to assist us by complying with New Hampshire's rafting laws and rules.

In recent years, the number of boaters using the rafting areas on our lakes has increased significantly. Regulated areas on Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee, Lake Monomonac, and Ossipee Lake have also seen an increase in rafting violations. State rafting laws are designed to limit the concentration of boats on a sand bar by creating minimum distance requirements between boats, the shoreline, and rafts (two boats tied together at anchor).

As many know, high concentrations of anchored boats in a confined area also create safety issues for boaters and swimmers. Very recently, first responders were significantly delayed from reaching a person suffering from a medical emergency due to illegal anchoring practices. Propeller injuries, diving accidents, and alcohol-related medical emergencies are also common in these areas.

This weekend, Marine Patrol Officers will be focusing on the enforcement of rafting regulations and Operation Dry Water, a national awareness and enforcement campaign dedicated to reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related accidents and fatalities on the water. We are asking everyone to do their part by complying with State boating laws while celebrating our nation's independence with family and friends.

To report an emergency or violation to Marine Patrol, call 9-1-1. For more information on New Hampshire's boating laws, visit www.marinepatrol.nh.gov.