Prohibitions for boaters
Prefectoral decrees multiplied throughout France in July and August as the freshwater resource situation deteriorated. A large part of the coastline is strongly impacted by the effects of successive heat waves, coupled with summer population influxes. As a result, the prefects have prohibited boat cleaning and careening outside of authorized areas. Some ports have even closed their careening areas.
As for access to ports located on estuaries, some have seen their access restricted to save the river resource, like Arzal, for which only one daily basin is planned, reserved for boaters joining their home port.
Ecological gestures to keep in the long run
But beyond the prohibitions, the situation invites us to do much more.
In light sailing, it was customary to rinse sails or life jackets after each use. Is the marginal gain in the life span of a sailboard equal to the volume of water confiscated for more essential uses? Rainwater harvesting for such uses should be an integral part of any new water sports center project.
Cooking pasta with a portion of sea water - at least offshore, certainly not in crowded anchorages - should seem to every boater to be a matter of course. Is it normal that the seawater foot pump is not standard on all production boats? At a time when the authorities are communicating on "sustainable boating", imposing such measures would make it possible to go beyond the fine words.
Fresh water is a precious commodity. Sailors know this, even if some have lost sight of it. It's time to remember this and bring our good habits ashore.
