Candlewood Lake: More patrols welcome; but restricted boat size still needed

The state Department of Environmental Protection's decision to have a full-time officer patrolling Candlewood Lake this summer is good news indeed.

The lake -- bordered by New Milford, Sherman, Danbury, Brookfield and New Fairfield and at 5,420 acres the largest inland body of water in Connecticut -- has had too many boating accidents, including some fatalities, in recent years. Per acre, in fact, it has had more accidents than any other lake in the state, officials have noted.

"It's out of control compared to the others,'' state Sen. Michael McLachlan, R-Danbury, said last week.

More DEP patrols, along with the continued vigilance of the Candlewood Lake Marine Patrol, are a positive step toward trying to enforce safe boating -- including adherence to speed limits -- on the lake.

We appreciate the DEP's increased commitment, particularly since staff has been reduced through early retirement attrition.

But more needs to be done.

We support the move to limit boat size on the lake to fewer than 26 feet. That would pertain to new boats; others would be grandfathered.

Leaders from the five towns around the lake and the DEP have agreed in principle to the limit. The proposal was sent to the General Assembly by the Monday deadline before the new session opened on Wednesday.

More regulation is needed to help ensure safe boating and the enjoyment of the many recreational uses of the region's remarkable resource.

Decreased boat size and increased patrols alone, however, will not make Candlewood Lake safe for all -- common sense must be part of the equation, and that is everyone's responsibility.