S.A.F.E. Program

S.A.F.E. Hotline: (508) 643-1425

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 lake related 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) and phone # 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 on last page.

Bungay Lake Associates Inc.  Boating Rules and Regulations

All Bungay Lake boaters and watercraft must comply with the Boating rules and registration Regulations set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The 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.

 All Boats (Including Personal Watercraft – PWC)

 All residents are responsible for informing any guest(s) 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.

 Due to the relatively small size of the lake, ALL watercraft are required to operate in a counterclockwise direction only.

 Large wake boats must stay towards middle of lake while towing. Common courtesy suggests going out at off peak times. The boat operator and the towed person must conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner.

 Sail boats, canoes, kayaks, and any watercraft without a motor have the right of way.

 Evening speed – Before 8:00am and after dusk, the speed limit is 6 MPH. Proper lighting is required on ALL boats operating during this time. Operating a motorboat without proper working lights and water-skiing/jet-skiing is 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) drivers 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.

 Passing other watercraft – Ensure a reasonable distance and be prepared to give way to the slower watercraft turning for dropped skier, tuber, boarder, etc.

 Watercraft pulling Skiers, Kneeboarders, etc. A competent observer (at least 12 years of age) must be on board at all times. A mirror is NOT a substitute for this requirement.

 A clearance of 150 feet must be maintained from the following:

(A speed of 6 MPH or less within this distance)

  • Swimmers
  • Swimming areas
  • Water skier’s
  • Mooring area
  • Shoreline

Safety Equipment

Life preservers are to be worn by: (1) youth less than 12 years of age (2) personal watercraft users (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).

Motorboats 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 watercraft before 8:00am and after dusk.
  •  

    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 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 and phone number 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.
    • Help Make Bungay Lake S.A.F.E.! 

    • To Report Safety Incidents:

      Call Evan Carter at (508) 643-1425 to report any and all safety related incidents.