Summer boating season is upon us. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of things in the Long Island/Metro area this time of the year. Between events, trips, and the everyday things we deal with, it’s all too easy to forget about the things we should know when it comes to boating in local waters.
Whether you’re a first-time boat owner, have owned a boat for years, or are looking for a boat, there are some things you need to know or may have forgotten about or weren’t aware of.
In effect since January 1st, 2020, Brianna’s Law, named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Island girl who was killed in a 2005 boating accident, the law requires all motorboat operators to complete a boating safety course. The requirement is currently being phased in based on the boat operator’s age. As of January 1, 2020, all New Yorkers born after January 1, 1993, must pass a course. All New Yorkers born after January 1, 1988, must pass a course by January 1, 2022, and all New Yorkers born after January 1, 1978, must pass a course by January 1, 2024. After that, no matter what age, all New York boat operators will be required to pass a state-approved boater safety course by January 1, 2025.
If you don’t comply with the law, you could receive a $100 to $250 fine. Only courses sanctioned on the websites of the New York State Parks and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will qualify. You can visit parks.ny.gov/boating/safety-courses.aspx for an excellent start to finding the proper courses to give you the coverage you need.
This course might seem inconvenient to you, and I get it during such a busy time of the year. But the law is the law, and let’s be honest, we all need a refresher on these things — even if we think we have them mastered.
More Education
The New York State Parks Marine Services Bureau coordinates New York’s national Operation Dry Water campaign. This campaign involves law enforcement agencies statewide to educate boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs and remove impaired boaters from the waterways. This year, Operation Dry Water’s national weekend of amplified outreach will be July 1 through 3 — right before the considerable boating day, the 4th of July.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation Marine Services Bureau Director Paul Littman said, “We want boaters to have a safe and enjoyable experience on New York’s waterways. Our goal is to educate boaters on the dangers of impaired boating and to remind them of other safe boating practices, such as enrolling in a boater education course and always wearing a life jacket. In this partnership with Operation Dry Water, we want both operators and passengers to remain sober and alert and understand the dangers of boating under the influence. We wish boaters a fun, safe and enjoyable summer while out on the water.” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos followed up by saying, “Boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law, just like driving under the influence, and it puts other boaters and bystanders at risk. The July 4th holiday is especially busy on New York’s waterways and while I encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, safety is the top priority. Our DEC’s Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) will join our local law enforcement partners again this year patrolling waterways and checking on boaters to ensure New Yorkers are following the law to protect themselves and others recreating in and around the water. I’m hopeful these Officers encounter zero BUIs.”
For more information on boating under the influence, visit www.operationdrywater.org/pledge
Be safe out there on the water for the rest of the season, and make the necessary choices.
