HB397

This bill is important because there is a lack of law enforcement on public waters to enforce boating safety and water quality laws. I've been on Little Squam Lake for over 25 years and witnessed the change in the level of enforcement; it has dropped substantially from what it was in the 1990s. This is why I support the development of a task force to bring state agency leaders together to identify opportunities for cross-agency coordination to optimize waterbody patrol coverage, supplement law enforcement patrols outside of marine patrol, and maximize the use of available federal funds for patrols of New Hampshire’s waterbodies across agencies. Thank you for paying attention to public testimony.

I apologize for not making the hearing this afternoon. The NH Marine Trades Association, a statewide association of marinas, boat dealers and related industry, are in favor of this bill. Marine Patrol has struggled with workforce and we believe this taskforce is warranted. We look forward to participating if the bill becomes law.

I live in a community on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and we own property on Round Island. Having a fully-staffed Marine Patrol presence on the lake is vital for the safety of both residents and visitors to the Lakes Regions. I fully support this bill.

I support this bill which will enhance law enforcement presence on New Hampshire lakes.

I support the passage of Bill 397 - to enhance law enforcement presence on New Hampshire waterways. Presence deters misbehavior on our waterways and shows that NH is serious about maintaining safety especially during the summer season when many visitors are from out of state.

Insufficient Marine Patrol on Lake Winnipesaukee has long been a problem. The influx of people since Covid-19 has worsened it. Hopefully this bill will pass and help protect the people on the lake as well as the lake and its shoreline.

When the Winnipesaukee Basin sewer system was installed, lake water quality improved, for a while. As development has increased and Climate Change worsened it is obvious the lakes are being impacted. The word needs to get out on these laws and their importance. Suggest you make more funding available to help lake associations, conservation commissions and conservation districts provide info and programming to the public.

Fines for repeat and intentional violations need to be maintained.

I support ensuring that adequate law enforcement is in place to safeguard waterways and boating safety in all NH lakes. If a task force is needed to address protection of NH's beautiful lakes and streams, so be it.

This bill seeks to establish a multi-agency task force, led by the Department of Safety, to enhance law enforcement presence on New Hampshire waterways. In 2023, Marine Patrol reported having just three boats patrolling Lake Winnipesaukee during the busy summer season—far short of the ideal six to seven. Despite support from State Police initiatives to cover peak times, overall patrol coverage statewide remained insufficient due to staffing shortages. LWA supports HB 397 because enhanced patrol coverage is essential for protecting Lake Winnipesaukee’s water quality, preserving natural habitats, ensuring boating safety, and maintaining recreational opportunities for all. Our family is celebrating 60 years on the Lake this summer. We have gone from being able to boat safely in kayaks, canoes, and sailboats, to fearing for our safety with some boaters who are so unfamiliar with both the laws and boating etiquette it boggles the mind. It would be helpful to have adequate Marine Patrol boats on the lake to assure everyone have a safe day on the lake.

Dear NH Representatives, My Name is Hans Dahll, Gilford, NH resident and I support HB 397 for enhanced to increase law enforcement presence and patrols coverage on Lake Winnipesaukee and other lakes. I have been boating on Lake Winnipesaukee and other New Hampshire water bodies for over 30 years in various watercraft (small paddlecraft to motorboats to sailboats) and strongly support an increased presence of Marine Patrol on the Winnipesaukee and other lakes and rivers. With the increase in boating activity in recent years I have increasing concern for personal and public safety when out on the water. My understanding of this bill is that is looking for ways to find synergy between relevant departments of marine patrol, conservation officers and others and I applaud this approach. I understand the severe money and time budget constraints we all face but urge that a path forward be found to increase the on the water presence of Marine Patrol. I look forward to your support of the citizens of New Hampshire and thank you for this opportunity for input. Hans Dahll 21 Sprucewood Drive Gilford, NH 03249

I support this bill because of concerns about the lack of law enforcement on public waters to enforce boating safety and water quality laws. We need a consistent and adequate law enforcement presence on our lakes. A task force would bring state agency leaders together to identify opportunities for cross-agency coordination to optimize waterbody patrol coverage, supplement law enforcement patrols outside of marine patrol, and maximize the use of available federal funds for patrols of New Hampshire’s waterbodies across agencies is long overdue.

We live on Lake Sunapee and over the past few years have seen reduced presence of the Marine Patrol. They play an important role in insuring safe operation of boats, excessive wake boarding near shore, and just generally keeping order. It is critical that they have a presence and are seen on the water, not to give boaters a hard time, but just to keep things safe for people and the environment.

I would greatly appreciate any effort to have more patrols on our waterways. Thank you

The development of a task force to bring state agency leaders together to identify opportunities for cross-agency coordination to optimize waterbody patrol coverage, supplement law enforcement patrols outside of marine patrol, and maximize the use of available federal funds for patrols of New Hampshire’s waterbodies across agencies is a really good idea. Our public waters are a wonderful resource and should be protected. Agencies should work together to support his goal.

Hello House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee: Please vote for HB397 to establish a multi-agency taskWhat this bill does: It establishes a multi-agency task force to identify solutions to increase law enforcement presence and patrols on New Hampshire waterways. Constituents and the general public frequently approach NH LAKES with concerns about the lack of law enforcement on public waters to enforce boating safety and water quality laws. Over the years, NH LAKES has been informed about the various challenges and barriers within and among state agencies to provide a consistent and adequate law enforcement presence on our lakes. The development of a task force to bring state agency leaders together to identify opportunities for cross-agency coordination to optimize waterbody patrol coverage, supplement law enforcement patrols outside of marine patrol, and maximize the use of available federal funds for patrols of New Hampshire’s waterbodies across agencies is long overdue. Thank you.

Lake Winnipesaukee is a large lake and needs adequate marine patrol to enforce environmental and safety situations. 2 or 3 boats is not adequate or efficient to cover the lake area. I support more investment in the patrol force.

I support increasing law enforcement presence on New Hampshire waterways. I am a Lockes island resident, so see the lack of marine patrol boats out on the lake. Many violations occur daily and stops for violations and education would surely. increase the safety of people using the lake.

I live in Georges Mills on Lake Sunapee and we really need increased law enforcement presence due to the high number of boaters on the lake violating the no wake requirement in GM as well as patrolling the heavily used sandbar just outside our area, not to mention just a presence on the lake to keep people under control.

Hi, thank you for reading this. I support HB 397 as I feel law enforcement patroling and presence is absolutely necessary, critical actually, for our safety & enjoyment. Many boaters seem to think that in our “Live Free or Die” State that they can do whatever and whenever, without regard to others. We live on the lake and witness unlawful boating activities every summer, and with increasing frequency. I think it’s been at least 3 years since I’ve seen Marine Patrol here. Yet no license, no life jackets, not enough spotters, passing too close, drinking alcohol, are all too often sighted. I encourage the formation of a multi-agency task force to brainstorm & deliver a better plan for safer boating and enjoyment of our waterways.

This bill being approved is very important to all waterways in New Hampshire as there is a lack of law enforcement on public waters to enforce boating safety and water quality laws. The development of a task force is long overdue — to bring state agency leaders together to identify opportunities for cross-agency coordination to optimize waterbody patrol coverage, supplement law enforcement patrols outside of marine patrol, and maximize the use of available federal funds for patrols of New Hampshire’s waterbodies across agencies.

I support HB 397 because enhanced patrol coverage is essential for ensuring boating safety, and maintaining safe and fun recreational opportunities for all. It doesn’t do any good having safe boating laws if you don’t have the personnel to enforce them. It’s my understanding that In 2023, Marine Patrol reported having just three boats patrolling Lake Winnipesaukee during the busy summer season—far short of the ideal six to seven. Winni is a huge lake! Despite support from State Police initiatives to cover peak times, overall patrol coverage statewide remained insufficient due to staffing shortages. Please vote in favor of HB 397

It is important to have a law enforcement presence on the lakes to enforce laws and prevent unsafe boating and behavior that harm the lake. Several times over the years I have found reasons to call marine patrol and every time, I have been told that they are too far away to respond. We need to find ways to deputize local law enforcement to keep our lakes safe. The Town of Swanzey police dept. does not even have a boat to access the lake.