Bungay Associates, Inc. Mission Statement:
To understand, manage and protect our Bungay Lake resources through research and education ensuring a quality future for all to enjoy.
Boating Safety - S.A.F.E. Program
S.A.F.E. stands for Safety Awareness From Education
- Program Established April 13, 1999 -
Program Mission:
S.A.F.E. is an educational program designed to ensure the personal safety of all that use and enjoy Bungay Lake.
Program Purpose:
To educate Bungay lake residents on water Safety issues and provide a process to monitor, track and escalate safety incidents.
Scope:
The S.A.F.E. Program applies to all residents and non-residents that use the lake for recreational purposes.
Program Objectives:
Educate existing and new residents on Recreational Safety Issues through a variety of materials.
Provide a single point contact (Program Director) for residents to report safety incidents.
Provide a process to escalate multiple safety incidents through the proper channels.
Program Director:
A S.A.F.E. Program Director will be elected at the annual meeting to a yearly term. The Director will be responsible for all aspects of the program as described below.
Program Director Functions:
Periodically provide all Lake Residents with updated Bungay Lake Safety rules and regulations as well as Massachusetts Boating safety Laws. Update rules and regulations as necessary. Provide laminated copies for boat storage.
Provide all NEW lake residents/renters with above rules within 30 days of move-in date.
Work in conjunction with Environmental Police in regards to Boating Laws and violation process.
Provide All Lake Residents with the name and number of Program Director to allow reporting of safety incidents.
Create and manage "Safety Log" which is designed to track safety calls and incidents reported by residents. Log shall contain the following minimum information: Date reported, reported by, incident description, boat registration # (if known), name of accused & action taken (w/dates).
Safety log will also be used to track-reported thefts and other miscellaneous safety issues.
Report summaries of safety log periodically through newsletter and yearly at annual meeting.
To Report Safety Incidents:
Rob Perkoski and Dale Tessier were elected at the annual meeting as the S.A.F.E. Program Directors for 2007/2008. Please call Rob at (508) 400-2256 to report any and all safety related incidents.
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Boating Rules and Regulations
All Bungay Lake boaters and watercraft must comply with the Boating rules and registration set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Below is only a summary of some of the common boating laws; you are responsible to know and observe all local, state and federal laws. For a copy of the complete watercraft laws contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 617-727-8760.
All Boats (Including Personal Watercraft - PWC)
All residents are responsible for informing any guest of all the lake rules and regulations.
Lake Speed limit - Maximum speed for inland waterways is 45 MPH.
No watercraft shall operate above 6 MPH behind the big island, in posted areas and in areas that minimum distances from shoreline cannot be maintained.
Operation in a counterclockwise direction only.
Sail boats, canoes, kayaks, and any watercraft without a motor has the right of way.
Maximum speed - Before 8:00am and after dusk is 6 MPH, proper lighting required. Operating a motor boat without proper working lights and water-skiing/jet-skiing is also prohibited before or after these times.
Minimum Age - No person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat, unless accompanied on-board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older. Personal watercraft (PWC) must be at least 16 years of age in order to operate.
Safety Education Certification - Youth between 12 and 15 years of age must complete an approved basic boating course in order to operate any motorboat without adult supervision. PWC users who are 16 and 17 years of age must also complete the basic course and also an additional class on PWC operation.
The above certificate must be in possession of the certified operator while underway.
Water craft pulling Skiers, Kneeboarders, etc.
A competent observer must be on board at all times. A mirror is NOT a replacement for this requirement.
A clearance of 150 feet must be maintained from the following: Swimmers, Swimming areas, Water skier's, Mooring area & Shoreline. A speed of 6 MPH or less within this distance.
Safety Equipment
Life preservers are to be worn by: (1) youth less than 12 years of age (2) personal watercraft user (3) water-skiers (4) canoeist/kayakers (Sept 15 to May 15).
A wearable PFD for each person must be on board any boat or craft being towed.
Motor boats towing skiers must also be equipped with a boarding ladder.
Personal Watercraft (323 CMR 4.00 Chapter 90B)
Always operate in a safe and prudent manner
The following are considered negligent operation:
Unreasonable jumping, or attempting to jump, the wake of another vessel;
Following within 150 feet of a water skier, tuber, knee boarder etc.;
Weaving through congested traffic;
Speeding in restricted areas;
Crossing unreasonably close to another vessel;
Towing a water skier or any person in any manner from a personal watercraft;
Operating a personal water craft during the evening.
S.A.F.E. Hotline: 508-400-2256
