Hanover, New Hampshire - May 4, 2011
Even on a rainy spring day, there's lots of activity at the boathouse in Hanover, N.H. After all, rowing is the largest sport on campus. But there's one thing that's not going on here and hasn't-- at least not legally-- for over a year. And that is swimming. The college banned swimming in the river last summer due to safety concerns. However, to students who go to a school that has 11 acres of riverfront property, the new rules were a disappointment.
"I was disappointed because I have heard about how fun it is, especially over sophomore summer," said Kelly Brait, a sophomore.
Kelly Brait and Justin Rosner are new to campus. However, the freshmen were both here last summer. They play soccer.
"It is kind of normal for guys to go during pre-season and take a dip in between sessions and the fact that we couldn't do that was definitely a little disappointing," said Rosner, a freshman.
But the disappointment does not have to last. The college has announced that it will once again reopen a riverfront swimming spot on campus. The new docks will be located a little closer to the Ledyard Bridge where the water is shallower. And water current sensors will also be installed to alert campus officials when the water is moving too fast for safe use. Rowing coach Christopher Bordeau thinks the decision to reopen the river to swimming students is a good thing.
"Oh, it's awesome," Bordeau said. "I think this piece of the college campus is one of its crown jewels and more people should enjoy it."
Something students are already planning to do.
"I'm really excited about it," Brait said. "I think it would be a fun thing to do."
After all, if kids want to swim, students say it's unlikely a little sign will stop them anyway.
"I think that is definitely a good idea because kids are going to do it either way if they really want to, so if they make it as safe as possible, that is probably the best thing," Rosner said.
The new dock will be installed for the summer allowing the sign to come down and students to dive in.
The upgrades will cost around $200,000.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
