Sebago Lake glistened with reflected sun as Raymond resident Kim Manoush navigated her pontoon boat between Frye Island and the end of Raymond Cape. Suddenly, a swiftly moving powerboat headed straight toward her, bow high in the air, blocking the driver’s view.
Though she sounded her boat’s horn a number of times, its warning was drowned out by the powerboat’s noisy engine. She swerved to avoid collision and the other boat’s driver never even knew how close he came to ramming into her.
Incidents like this have become all too frequent on the lake, according to the Sebago Lake Safety Watch. This group of concerned residents, who has joined forces with various law enforcement agencies, has accomplished a lot in the year since its inception.
The group’s biggest concern is boating safety. Many of the members regularly witness personal watercrafts (such as Jet Skis) zipping around traffic or boats speeding through the area between Frye Island and Raymond Cape known as “The Gut.” These boats often come dangerously close to other, smaller boats and kayaks and hinder the ferries that run between the island and the mainland. The ferry always has the right of way.
In addition to excessive speed, alcohol is often a factor in boating accidents. It is against the law for a boat’s operator to be drinking or even holding an alcoholic beverage.
The congestion from boats waiting to get into Frye’s Leap General Store & CafA?© poses another safety hazard for boat traffic trying to navigate the narrow waterway.
And underage boat and personal watercraft operators add to the danger. By law, a person must be 16 years old to operate either craft, or 12 years old if accompanied by an adult.
And yet another common problem involves operating a boat after dark without running lights.
Besides their commitment to notify authorities when they witness a problem – much the same way a neighborhood watch operates – members of the Sebago Lake Safety Watch also work with the warden service and with the Frye Island Police Department to raise awareness and encourage responsible boating practices on the lake.
“The Warden Service has been very responsive about talking to us and coming to our meetings,” said John Manoush, one of the founding members of the watch. “The Fourth of July weekend they did a real blitz.”
New this year is the added assistance of Frye Island Police Chief Dana Wessling and Officer Eric Pierce, who regularly patrol the waters between Frye Island and Raymond Cape. As part of an agreement with the town of Raymond, the officers have use of Raymond’s patrol boat.
“I usually do a couple of hours each day on the boat,” said Chief Wessling. “I keep the boat on the island when I’m on duty.”
That way, Wessling said, if they spot a potential problem from shore, they have quick access. The officers also get input from Raymond dispatch.
When contacted by phone, Captain William Rhoads of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said, “It’s great that they have the water patrol. I think it’s a wonderful thing that they have someone out on a boat.”
Raymond Cape resident Barbara Lovell is delighted with the service provided by the Frye Island officers.
“There is a hands-across-the-water arrangement between Frye Island and Raymond,” Lovell said.
Lovell has been instrumental in helping to raise money as well as awareness for the group’s cause.
“Our goal was to purchase a brand new motor, knowing the old motor had been out of the picture after about 24 hours in the water last year,” said Lovell.
Though the group raised only about half the money required for a new motor, they were able to have repair work done on the existing engine.
Some of the remaining money, according to the Manoushes, combined with public safety funding from both Raymond and Frye Island, was used to buy a throw ring, an anchor, and a custom-made mounting bracket for police lights and siren.
Next year, Wessling hopes to add a floating basket and winch for rescue calls, particularly important because only one officer patrols at a time.
The group would also like to raise funds for a decibel meter.
“Decibel sound laws are not being enforced,” said Lovell. “There are different kinds of pollution. Sound pollution is being addressed very well in places other than Sebago.”
The Sebago Lake Safety Watch recognizes they have a lot ahead of them. They would like to find better ways to educate the public about the importance of boater safety and about basic boating rules.
But they do feel there has been some improvement.
“One of the things I’ve noticed,” said Kim Manoush, “is just the presence of the patrol boat has a tremendous effect.”
Chief Wessling agreed: “A visual deterrent takes care of 90 percent of the problem.” When he has turned his patrol boat sideways, so approaching crafts can see the lettering on its side, he said he has seen “some fast boats come at full speed and slow down when they see the boat.”
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