Wardens to crack down on watercraft violations

AUGUSTA — Responding to an increasing number of complaints about reckless boaters and jet-ski operators, the Maine Warden Service will be stepping up its enforcement efforts during the rest of the month in many parts of Maine.

According to Warden Sgt. Tim Peabody, a team of wardens, including a warden pilot, will be out this weekend checking boaters and personal watercraft operators on lakes and ponds in Hancock County.

“So far this summer, we have received a significant number of public complaints about dangerous or unreasonable operation of watercraft, especially jet skis. Among the many lakes we will be checking are Phillips, Green Lake, Beech Hill and Branch.”

Similar enforcement efforts will be under way on lakes and ponds throughout the state during the next few weekends.

Last year, game wardens responded to similar complaints from camp residents at Phillips Lake in Dedham. In one day, 30 summons were issued to boaters. Many of the violations involved a failure to adhere to the state boating law on headway speed.

The law defines headway speed as “the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage and control of the watercraft while it is moving.” The headway speed law applies whenever a watercraft is within 200 feet of any shoreline.

During this stepped-up enforcement, wardens also will be checking for boat registrations, life jackets and operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.