Memorial Day came early this year and the harbors along the South Shore are starting to come back to life. As our waterways fill with boats, kayaks, paddleboards and anglers, we want to remind everyone to take the pledge to slow down and enjoy the rivers this spring and summer. When you take the pledge, you will receive one of our No Wake stickers.
As part of this year’s No Wake campaign, we provided the Scituate, Norwell and Marshfield harbormasters with a stack of No Wake stickers to send along with boat registrations. We also worked with Freedom Boat Club to include speed limit information for the North and South Rivers in their captain’s training and during boat checkout for the South Shore clubs.
Did you know that the North River is Massachusetts’ first and only Scenic Protected River? Back in the 1970’s, a group of advocates led by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, partnered with property owners along the North River to establish deed restrictions These restrictions prevent development within 300 feet of the banks of the entire North River across the 6 towns that the river transits – a remarkable achievement that has preserved the River’s natural beauty for future generations. Without the protections of the North River Protective Order and the cooperation of recreational users who observe the 6 mph speed limit—or “no wake” headway speed, whichever is lower—the river would look very different today.
Finally, earlier this year, the State passed a new Boater Safety Law that requires all boat operators to obtain a boater safety certificate. The certification involves a multi-part class and local sessions can found online. The next course in our area will be held over 4 days at the Metropolitan Yacht Club in Braintree on June 24, July 1, 8 and 15.