Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and comprehend what's around you regarding both actual incidents and developing hazards. Our Special Forces are trained to see not just what their eyes process but also to anticipate what may happen next. Their lives sometimes depend on it.

So far so good you say, but what can this possibly have to do with safety on Kezar Lake? Well, everything. Situational awareness comes directly into play every day on the lake. First, there’s the water itself. Not to be melodramatic but around water there is always a drowning danger. Second, there are boats. Lots of them, all with props churning at between 3,000 and 5,000 rpms which can slice through anything. The danger is obvious. And boat drivers come in all descriptions from very experienced to novice and immature. Finally, there’s the weather and a regular threat of thunderstorms. The one place you don’t want to be in a thunderstorm is out on the middle of a lake.

The simple act of applying situational awareness can prevent the unthinkable. Just do it. Talk about it. Teach your kids to do it. And if they think you're joking, call a brief timeout or take the keys away for a while.

At Lake Patrol we work hard to keep Kezar Lake the safe place it is, but nothing is more important than your active participation. Be sure to register your boat and apply appropriate stickers to your hull. You can do this at the Lovell Town Office or online at Boat Registration Renewal Online Service.

Finally, at the start of another boating season it is worthwhile to review Maine’s most important boating laws. Here’s a summary:

State of Maine Boating Laws

Boats under 16’

One life jacket per person. Children under 10 must wear a life jacket at all times
One fire extinguisher with needle in the green
One sound producing device (whistle, horn or bell)

Boats 16’ to 40’

All of the above plus a throwable flotation device

Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard

One lifejacket per person
Whistle

Water Skiing and Tubing

Must wear a life jacket
Not allowed between one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise
Must have a spotter at least 12 years of age
Boats allowed within 200’ of shore to pick up or discharge skiers/tubers only

Unlawful

Headway Speed only means exactly that
Reckless operation or operating to endanger
Operating to molest or endanger wildlife
Operating a vessel while intoxicated. No one under 21 can drink and drive a boat

Emergency

Call Maine State Police dispatch in Gray, ME 1-800-228-0857

Remember, a safe summer on the water doesn’t just happen. Safe boating is an active, not passive activity. Take a moment when you get into your boat to realize that it is your responsibility to bring everyone back to shore safely.