Evening star., 1935-05-05
CHANNEL BATHING
CURB IS URGED
Commissioners for New
Rules and Also Smile Speed
Limit for Craft.

District Commissioners paused long
enough in consideration of new har-
bor regulations, which will 60 into ef-
feet when approved by Federal agen-
cies, to put curb on swimming In
certain channel areas, it was revealed
yesterday.
The proposed rules would forbid
swimming in the marked channel or
the harbor or from any wharf or piers
In the harbor or within 100 yards Of
any steamboat while 1t Is being loaded
or Is discharging passengers or freight.
The Commissioners also urged
establishment of q six-mile speed
limit for all craft In the harbor under
the regulations proposed by COM
mittee Of District and Federal officials
headed by Roland Brennan, secretary
Of the Commissioners.
The new regulations, authorized un-
der an act Of Congress, have been sent
to hundred boat clubs and other ma
rine interests prior to submission to
the Secretary of War, the National
Capital Park and Planning Commis-
sion and the National Parks Service
for approval.
Would Extend Areas.
Under the proposals the anchorage
areas for boats of various types will
be extended, but very definite new
rules would be set for control Of ma
rine activities.
The high lights Of the new rules
are:
Any vessel entering or leaving the
District would have its time OF arrival
or departure posted with the District
harbor master, except those having
regular berths here.
Creation of an expanded anchorage
area in the Washington channel above
the K street marker. in Anacostia
River between the Anacostia and the
Benning Road Bridges and in the Po-
tonlac River south of the Three Sis
ters Island. A fourth anchorage area
for houseboats, would be established
at Oxon Run in the Potomac.
Sofety Rules Strict.
No boat shall be operated in the
waters of the District 'in a reckless
manner or so as to endanger persons
or property" and with the exception
of groups Of canoes in recreation
areas, boats are forbidden to pass
cross ahead of, or follow directly be.
hind any other vessel within 10(
yards. as q safety measure.
Show boats could not be anchored
In District waters unless specific ap-
proval had been granted by the Com
missioners. Amphibian aircraft would
not alight or take off from or operate
or anchor in the Washington channe
between Hains Point and Fourteenth
street without approval OF the harboi
master.
Another rule would be that nj
watercraft may be anchored in the
Washington channel If tied or mad.
fast to any other vessel or water
craft.
Mast Lowering Provision.
Sailing vessels anchored in thu
Anacostia River anchorage area woulc
have to be equipped with stepped Of
hinged mast, or otherwise so the mas
may be lowered while passing undel
the Anacostia Bridge to avoid raising
of it's span each time sailing boat
passed the structure.
Definite regulations would be es.
tablished for the types Of nloorings
buoys and anchorage lines to be used
in the designated anchorage areas
and rules for the sale of gasoline
from fuel boats would be strength
ened.
In addition to Chairman Brennan
other members of the committee were
Edward w. Thomas. assistant corpo-
ration counsel: Clifford r. Whyte,
District bridge engineer; Sergt. G. G.
Humphries Of the harbor precinct,
Lieut.. w. J. Matteson of the District
Engineers Office of the War Depart
ment, Frank Gartside of the National
Park Service, Thomas s. Settle Of the
Park and Planning Commission and
z. A. Schmitt of the District Engi-
heer'S Office.