SOUTHWICK – The Lake Management committee discussed several areas surrounding Congamond Lake. The committee specifically talked about boating concerns during Thursday night’s meeting.
A key concern from the committee was night time boating. Boats that are out late at night in the dark was a cause for concern from the committee. Boats are not only supposed to have their lights on but the speed limit at night is set at 10 mph. The Town Bylaws in Chapter 75 states “No person shall operate a power-propelled craft at the rate of speed in excess of 10 mph one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour after sunrise.”
The Lake Management Committee discusses boating concerns on Congamond Lake. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
“It’s one of these things where you do see people that are out there in pitch black racing up and down the lake with no lights on,” said Lake Management Committee member Dick Grannells.
Grannells also pointed out how he has been informed about boats towing people through the tunnels. Being a one-way entry-point, the rate of having an accident through the tunnel is much higher with boats towing people and not knowing if another boat is coming through.
Grannells and the rest of the committee members also discussed the topic of water skiing and tubing without a spotter. Having someone watch the tuber or the person water skiing is a major part of lake safety.
All of these concerns are rules to boating that the committee is working on making sure that all people of Congamond Lake abide by.
The rules are important but it is the safety that takes the top priority.
“We just want to stress the need for people to boat safely,” said Grannells.
