BOATING & WATER SAFETY

BOATING & WATER ACTIVITIES

Being out on the water in the summer is one of the key attractions of Lake Mascoma. All activities are welcome and encouraged with safety always being the top priority. Whether you are swimming, or cruising the lake in your motorized vessel, you should feel safe and confident that your fellow lake lovers care about your well-being.

The state of NH has put in place a number of regulations designed to ensure the safety and well-being for all who enjoy all the various types of water activities. Some of the key rules and regulations applicable on Mascoma Lake are noted here for reference. The full (and most up-to-date) set of regulatory requirements can be found at this link: NH Marine Patrol Laws & Rules.

Mandatory Boating Education

New Hampshire has a mandatory boating education law. Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates any type of motor vessel in excess of 25 horsepower must have a boating education certificate. New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates:

  • A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.
  • A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.
  • A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary
  • An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard
  • An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of NH


If you do not have any of the above certificates, and you wish to operate a motor powered vessel in NH, you will need to obtain a NH Safe Boating Certificate:

This certificate can be obtained by:


Those who pass the certificate exam will be provided with a physical certificate (wallet size card). Once obtained, the certificate is valid for a person’s lifetime.

Any operator may be asked by a Marine Patrol officer to show their certificate. Either the physical original or a copy must be provided. An electronic copy, or a photograph of the certificate that contains both the front and back of the physical original is also permitted.

Some General Rules

The following is a subset of the full set of NH regulations applicable to safe water activity on NH lakes. For the full set of regulations, please visit the NH Department of Safety’s website.

No person under 16 years of age shall operate a motorized vessel having power in excess of 25 horsepower on NH public waters unless the person is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid safe boating education certificate, and such person shall be liable for personal injury or property damage which may result from such operation

Children under age 12 must wear a personal flotation device of a type approved by the US Coast Guard when traveling on a boat or other water vessel.

Motorized vessels shall be operated at headway speed only:

  • When passing under bridges
  • When within 150 feet from shore, rafts, floats, swimmers, paddle boarders, permitted swim areas, docks, moorings, sail boats, and other boats


Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats, paddleboards and swimmers have the right of way. This required right of way shall not be construed to allow deliberate impediment of motorboats.

When motorized vessels are approaching each other head on, each vessel should keep to the right.

When motorized vessels are crossing courses or approaching each other in an oblique direction which may involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on its starboard (right) side shall keep out of the way of the other, allowing the vessel on the starboard (right) side to keep its course and speed.

When operating a motorboat for the purpose of towing persons engaged in water sports (eg waterskiing, wake surfing), another person age 13 or older must be present and physically able to observe and assist the person engaged in the water activity.

The number of inflatables allowed to be towed behind a vessel is limited to no more than two and requires a second observer any time three or more persons are being towed.

No towing of persons who are waterskiing or using other water sport devices shall be conducted between sunset and sunrise.

No person shall be towed on water skis or other appurtenances unless the person is wearing a Coast Guard approved type 1, 2, or 3 PFD.

Wake Boats and Wake Surfing

Wake surfing has grown in popularity over recent years. Wake boats create big waves for wakeboarders and wake surfers because they have unique differences compared to ski boats. Ballast systems, V drive, hull design, and wake innovation produces a large wake to surf without the need for a tow rope. These large wakes are a hazard for smaller vessels such as kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards, and also swimmers. We ask that wake boat operators please be aware of the proximity of these vessels when operating these boats.

The large waves are also having an effect on shoreline erosion/runoff. This erosion/runoff brings organic matter into the lake that contributes to the occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms. Many states are enacting stricter set-back requirements for boats to stay 300 to 500 feet from shore when engaged in this water activity. The state of NH has considered similar changes but has yet to enact any such legislation. The Mascoma Lake Association supports legislative efforts underway to adopt a 300 foot setback and encourages wake boat operators to follow a 300 foot setback when engaging in the sport of wake surfing.

Currently the distance from shore that is required of boating recreation activities, such as water skiing and wake boating, is 150 feet. Wake boats produce very large wakes, and it is well documented that they have a negative impact on the shoreline and loon nesting sites.The MLA would respectfully suggest everyone with a wake boat stay at least 300 feet away from shore (500 would be even better). Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Non-compliance With Regulations

The MLA has no authority to monitor or enforce compliance with the NH regulations. Concerned members of the community who feel that unsafe behaviors are taking place or regulations are being violated can contact the NH Marine Patrol Unit directly at 603-293-2037 or 877-642-9700 (toll free). Email at [email protected], or Mail to: 31 Dock Rd, Gilford, NH. 03249

SWIMMING

Swimmers in the open water away from shore can be difficult to see from a boat. They are strongly encouraged to swim with a towing bouy.

Example of swimmer’s towing bouy.

SCUBA

SCUBA diving is another activity enjoyed in the lake. It is also used in Milfoil harvesting. All SCUBA divers are required to use the diving flag. New Hampshire law does not require divers to be certified. However, obtaining your SCUBA certification is an important step in becoming a diver. The SCUBA certification program will teach divers the necessary information for maintaining safety during dives, proper preparation for dives, and other important information. All boaters should be familiar with this flag and stay (by law) 150 feet away from the flag.

Mascoma Lake Milfoil Barge
MLA Milfoil Barge with SCUBA flag.

FISHING

The MLA welcomes people from near and far who come to fish on Mascoma Lake. Whether it is a fishing tournament, or a single day of fishing on the lake, the lake is plentiful in its offering of fish. Joining the MLA is a great way for members of the fishing community to stay informed about what is going on around the lake. The use of lead fishing tackle and equipment is illegal in New Hampshire in accordance with NH RSA Section 211:13-b.

All anglers aged 16 and older are required to have a fishing license. You can apply for an annual, 1-day, 3-day and 7-day or a lifetime fishing license. You can buy your New Hampshire fishing license online quickly or in person from a fish and game license agent. Obtain your NH Fishing license and learn more on the NH Fish & Game’s website.

While the majority of fishing is done from boats, some people enjoy fishing from the Main Street bridge. For safety reasons, fishing on the bridge is not permitted in the center section where the boats travel under the bridge. Fishing line should be kept away from the center area so boats and their passengers can pass freely without risk of getting caught in the lines.

Fishing along the shore line often offers a more bountiful source of fish. Fish are often found hiding out under docks and rafts. The fishing community is asked to minimize the risk of fishing line and hooks getting caught on docks and rafts where humans and loons could come in contact with fishing lines and hook that are left behind.