Boating Safety
Our Objectives
PLPA is responsible for educating its membership about the boating rules and regulations pertaining to Pleasant Lake and to encourage the PLPA membership to comply with these rules and regulations.
Our Projects & Activities
We appreciate everyone’s help in respecting our neighbors and our lake. We hope you enjoy your day boating here on Pleasant Lake! For your safety and enjoyment as well as that of others, please follow these important boating rules:
No-Wake Zones
When you are within 150 feet of any shore, other boats, skiers, swimmers, floats, or marked swimming areas, State law mandates that you must slow down to NO WAKE speed. NO WAKE
means no faster then 6 mph. 150 feet = the length of two ski ropes.
Wakeboats – Please be mindful of wakes disrupting kayakers, paddle boarders and wildlife, and of waves causing shoreline erosion.
Towing Skiers
- All skiers must wear life jackets.
- A maximum of two people may be towed at any time.
- An observer, 13 years or older is required.
- No skiing is allowed before sunrise
and after sunset. - Keep your boat and skier 150 feet or
more away from EVERY-THING; the
shore, the island, other boats,
skiers, swimmers, floats and marked
swimming areas. - Do not drop a skier within 150 feet of
the shore.
On-Board Safety
- It is illegal and dangerous to sit on the edge of the cockpit, bow or transom.
- There must be at least one appropriately-sized life jacket for every person onboard. This includes paddle boarders and kayaks. By law, children 12 or under must wear a life jacket at all times. On a power boat, it is recommended that you always attach a lanyard to the ignition kill switch.
Boating Certification
New Hampshire law requires that all persons who operate a powerboat with a motor greater than 25 horse- power must have a New Hampshire Safe Boater Education Certificate and that certificate must be carried on board. Out-of-state boaters must have completed a National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved course and carry that certificate on board. Call 1-888-254-2125 or go to www.boat- ed.com/nh/ for more information.
Loons and Other Waterbirds
Pleasant Lake is home to many water birds, including nesting loons. The loon is a protected species and harassment is a punishable offense. Loon chicks are very small and cannot dive or fly to escape an oncoming boat, kayak or canoe. Please keep well away from all water birds, especially loons and their chicks.
Additional Resources
- The Boating Safety Committee has developed a summary of Safe Boating and Fishing Rules.
- The Boating Safety Committee works closely with the New Hampshire Marine Patrol.
- This committee also works with the New Hampshire Lakes Association to support safe boating legislation.
- New Hampshire Safe boating Education Course Information and certification information (also see https://www.ilearntoboat.com/newhampshire/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyY6pBhA9EiwAMzmfwU0zCvo0oG6tjivxEN0xX3L4gIlXQp3-jxx_Em_EFNxWg7qFb6bCqRoCRp4QAvD_BwE).
- Web version and pdf download of NH Boating Handbook: https://assets.kalkomey.com/boater/pdfs/handbook/newhampshire-handbook-entire.pdf
- Wake (Ballast) Boats
