The Lake Zoar Authority unveiled its new patrol boat to the public June 22.

LZA member Barbara McWilliams told The Newtown Bee the 23-foot patrol boat, acquired in May, is the authority’s second craft on the waters of Lake Zoar.

The 2022 Carolina Skiff boasts a 250 horsepower engine, and was paid for through two grants from FirstLight, totaling $60,000. The balance of $40,000 to acquire the craft was provided from the authority’s own budget.

LZA member John Morin said the boat was intended as a fishing boat, but with its new larger engine, it is now a “patrol boat that goes fast.”

The authority’s other craft, a 20-year-old, 19-foot patrol boat, may also need replacement soon.

“We need another patrol boat for sure,” said McWilliams. “Maintenance has gone through the roof.”

The authority has not given the new boat a name or official christening, but is planning to in the future.

LZA member Andy Briggs said the boat purchase “needed to get done.”

“We needed it for this year,” said Briggs.

LZA members offered thanks to FirstLight, whose director, Andy Brydges, was present at the unveiling of the boat, as well as Newtown’s First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, who was also present.

Safety At The Forefront

The new patrol boat will be a key part of safety on Lake Zoar with the Fourth of July holiday weekend and peak summer boating season ahead. Lakes, launch ramps and harbors are expected to be crowded during and after the July Fourth holiday.

As the number of boats, personal watercraft and paddlecraft goes up, boaters should look no further than recently released annual US Coast Guard statistics for some lessons on how to keep everyone aboard safe during this busy time of the year, especially for on-water fireworks shows.

According to data from the recently released 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics, the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents last year were operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed and machinery failure. The latest data shows Connecticut had 26 boating deaths in last five years.

“Nearly all of these factors will come into play on the water around Independence Day, and especially on the evenings with fireworks shows when boaters congregate to view them,” said Chris Edmonston, BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water president.

“After the show ends, as boating spectators pull anchor and head for home en masse, is really when a boat operator will experience the significant difference from operating during the daytime.” Edmonston explains that it is much more difficult to distinguish boat speed, direction or angle, and distance to other moving vessels at night. “Double check to ensure your navigation lights are working properly to ensure others see you,” he said.

Compounding the problem is the race to get home. “Many simply travel too fast for the conditions,” he said. “Everyone is leaving at the same time, and you’ll really need to focus on safety. Use others on your boat as extra lookouts, and keep your eyes focused ahead while scanning around you.”

Additionally, a long day on the water means stressors such as sun, wind and wave action degrade a boat operator’s ability, and adding alcohol to the mix only makes the situation worse. It’s much better to celebrate America’s birthday and imbibe when you are at the dock or safely ashore.

Because everyone wants to see the show, overloading is also a real issue this time of year. Small vessels are prone to swamping in the wake action that follows the close of a show. Weight and balance should be top of mind for small boat operators.

Paddlecraft will also add to the on-water congestion this time of year. Paddlers may not have the full set of safety skills and may not be easy to see, or they might be paddling on highly trafficked waters, so keep an eye out for them.

Finally, before you head out at night, know how to dim the brightness on your chartplotter or GPS, check your running lights, and ensure your visual distress signals are available if you find yourself in need of assistance.

Additional DEEP Advisories

DEEP also issued some pre-holiday safety warnings.

DEEP reminds all boaters that cold water temperatures create substantial dangers to recreational boaters, despite the possibility of warm air temperatures. Paddlers should exercise caution and use proper equipment, practice safety techniques, wear a life jacket (it’s the law through the end of May), and avoid dangerous situations.

Paddlers should always be prepared for a sudden cold-water immersion. Over the last six years, Connecticut families have grieved the loss of eleven paddler fatalities during spring’s cold water boating season.

Some helpful tips for those planning to boat:

Always wear your life jacket: Connecticut law requires anyone in canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or stand-up paddleboards to wear a properly fitting life jacket between October 1 and May 31. If a boater ends up in the water, a life jacket will make someone more visible to other boaters and will keep them afloat, significantly improving chances for survival.

Do not paddle alone: Always paddle with a partner and know how to get back into the boat should someone fall overboard. When paddling with a partner, it is easier to get back into a boat or reach shore safely.

Dress for cold water: Paddlers should dress for the water temperature not the air temperature. Water temperatures can vary greatly around the state during the spring, but all are still below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered cold water. Cold water immersion increases the risk of cold-water shock and involuntary gasp reflex, which is a leading cause of drowning.

File a float plan: Make a travel plan, including details on location and time of departure and return, and provide it to someone. Give them a call when boating has ended and identify who to call in case of emergency.

Maintain a proper lookout: Damaged docks, pilings, and trees may be floating down rivers and into Long Island Sound. Boaters should be especially vigilant when they get out on the water to look for and avoid floating debris.

To learn more about cold water boating and paddling in Connecticut, visit the DEEP Boating website at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Paddling/Paddling-in-Connecticut.

Reach Associate Editor Jim Taylor at jim@thebee.com.