Docks Swallowed as Lake Sunapee Rises

By Richard Girard
EAGLE TIMES PUBLISHER
SUNAPEE, NH—Sunapee Police Chief Neill Cobb issued a statement on Tuesday, July 10, warning of high water levels in Lake Sunapee; levels he expects will continue to rise. “Some docks around the lake are already underwater and water has begun to rise over onto the Sunapee Harbor public docks, which are now closed,” he said. “Due to high water levels, the potential for damage from boats becomes even more significant than any other time.

Cobb reminded boaters they are to remain at least 150 feet away from shorelines, docks, parked boats, other vessels and swimmers when operating above headway speed. He said the Water Sports Industry Association recommends a minimum distance of 200 feet when wake surfing.

“You are also required to adhere to any and all ‘No Wake Zone’ markers within Sunapee limits, to include Sunapee Harbor, Georges Mills Harbor, Jobs Creek, Gardner Bay, Burkehaven Harbor, and areas around Loon Island Lighthouse. Please also take into consideration the impact of your wake to other coves not marked with a ‘No Wake Zone’ buoy. In these areas, 150+ from shoreline is also to be maintained when operating above headway speed.”

In addition to boating on Lake Sunapee, Cobb urged boaters on Perkins Pond, Ledge Pond, Otter Pond and Mountain View Lake to be mindful of the high-water levels and stay at least 150 feet away from those shorelines wherever and whenever possible.

The Sunapee Police Department will be out on Lake Sunapee to conduct extra patrols and enforcing NH RSA 270-D:2; the unsafe passage statute.