Making Lake Hopatcong safer, one dock sign at a time
Lake Hopatcong, N.J. (April 24, 2019) - Since the summer of 2016, little blue signs have been popping up on docks all around Lake Hopatcong. These signs, called B-SAFE (Blue Signs Are For Emergencies) Dock Numbers, are linked to each lakefront property’s 9-1-1 street address and are designed to help emergency personnel efficiently respond to calls by land or water.
The Dock Numbering Program, launched by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, aims to improve emergency response times and safety on Lake Hopatcong. The weatherproof aluminum dock signs measure 8” x 16” and are blue with white reflective numbers. The signs do not contain any personal information.
“In moments of emergency on the water, it can be very difficult to explain to first responders where exactly you are located,” said Lake Hopatcong Foundation Grants and Programs Director Donna Macalle-Holly. “This program helps make that easier for those who are in distress, and provides clarity to emergency personnel.”
Lakefront property owners may voluntarily purchase and post a B-SAFE dock number sign on a dock or boathouse, anywhere it can be easily seen from the water. If an emergency occurs, an accurate location can be reported using the nearest dock number as a reference point.
B-SAFE dock number signs can be purchased through the Lake Hopatcong Foundation at lakehopatcongfoundation.org. Each sign is $29, which includes shipping. Signs ordered by June 15 will be delivered in mid-July. More than 700 lakefront homeowners (37 percent) have already participated in the program.
“We are so thankful for the outstanding efforts of our dock numbering volunteer team, which included several first responders, who put a lot of work into this initiative in 2015 and 2016 and are now able to see how much it has grown on Lake Hopatcong,” said Lake Hopatcong Foundation President Jessica K. Murphy.
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting the lake environment and enhancing the lake experience by bringing together public and private resources to encourage a culture of sustainability and stewardship on and around New Jersey’s largest lake, for this and future generations. To learn more, visit lakehopatcongfoundation.org.
