A safe day on New Hampshire's lakes starts before the boat leaves the ramp

As boating season continues across New Hampshire, NH LAKES encourages lake users to prioritize safety while protecting the waters they enjoy. For thousands of New Hampshire residents and visitors, summer means long days spent fishing, paddling, waterskiing or simply enjoying time with family on the lake. Before the first cast is made or the first wake ripples across the water, however, lake stewards say one of the most important parts of a successful outing happens at the boat ramp. Preparing a boat properly, checking safety equipment, understanding local conditions and taking a few extra minutes before launching can help prevent accidents while also protecting the lakes themselves. "Always remember to check for your drain plug before launching," said Ben Dexter, local coordinator of the NH LAKES Lake Host Program at Silver Lake. "Be sure to take your time. There can be a lot of pressure to launch a boat at an active ramp. Be respectful of others, but mistakes happen most often when people are rushing." That advice reflects a broader message shared by NH LAKES throughout the boating season: preparation and awareness are often the best forms of prevention. "We all hope for the best boating day while on the water, but accidents can happen," Dexter said. "Having the right equipment and awareness of the conditions can help avoid the worst or help others who may be in a tough spot." Preparation begins before launching Whether heading out in a fishing boat, kayak, pontoon or canoe, boating safety starts before entering the water. Boaters are encouraged to check weather forecasts, make sure required safety equipment is onboard, ensure life jackets fit properly and review their vessel before launching. Those few extra minutes can also prevent delays at busy public ramps. Rather than rushing while other boaters wait behind them, experienced boaters recommend loading gear, securing equipment and completing pre-launch checks before entering the launch lane. The same approach extends to protecting New Hampshire's lakes from aquatic invasive species. "The most important message is simple: Clean, Drain, and Dry," said Andrea LaMoreaux, president and policy advocate for NH LAKES. "Before leaving any waterbody, inspect your boat, trailer, and gear for plants and animals, drain all water from your boat — including livewells, ballast tanks, bilges, storage compartments, and the engine or lower unit — and allow everything to dry before launching in another lake." She noted anglers should also inspect and wipe down fishing gear, particularly as the invasive spiny water flea continues to spread in some New Hampshire lakes. "We also want people to understand that prevention is far easier, less expensive, and more effective than trying to control an invasive species after it becomes established," LaMoreaux said. "A few extra minutes at the boat ramp can help protect a lake for decades." Awareness extends beyond your own boat Once on the water, safe boating depends not only on operating a vessel responsibly but also on recognizing how individual actions affect others sharing the lake. Dexter said many of the issues he observes stem from a lack of awareness rather than intentional behavior. "The trends we're seeing tend to come from a lack of awareness of the impact and knowledge of the local and state laws," he said. "Boaters casting large wakes close to others can swamp boats, damage property, or wash away loon nests." He also encourages lake users to remain alert for swimmers, who can be difficult to spot without brightly colored flotation devices or other visible markers. "Swimmers in open water can be hard to see without something standing out next to them," Dexter said. "Then with the cyanobacteria becoming more common, we should all be taking a second look before jumping into the water." State environmental agencies routinely monitor cyanobacteria blooms during the summer and advise lake users to check current conditions before swimming, particularly if water appears unusually green, blue-green or contains surface scum. Courtesy helps protect both people and lakes Through its Lake-Friendly Boating Initiative, NH LAKES encourages boaters to consider how everyday decisions affect water quality, shorelines, wildlife and fellow recreationists. "New Hampshire has long been home to some of the cleanest and healthiest lakes in the country," LaMoreaux said. "But today, some of our lakes have degraded significantly. More frequent cyanobacteria blooms, the spread of aquatic invasive species like spiny water flea, shoreline erosion, and declining water quality are clear reminders that healthy lakes don't stay healthy by accident." She said the initiative asks everyone — from paddlers and anglers to wake boat operators and sailors — to think about the impact of their boating practices. "If you're new to boating, take time to learn New Hampshire's boating laws and practice courteous boating," LaMoreaux said. "Give other boaters, swimmers, paddlers, anglers, and wildlife plenty of space, and be mindful of your wake, especially near shorelines where it can contribute to erosion and disturb wildlife habitat."