Safe boating courses now mandatory

by Mark Daul

A new law effective May 1 requires all individuals born on or after May 1, 1996, to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. Approved courses include those offered by New York State Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the U.S. Power Squadron. Individuals less than 10 years of age may not take this course of instruction. Certain allowances to this law have been made for visitors to New York, persons renting a boat from a livery and persons purchasing a new boat for the first time.

Contact local USCG Auxiliary Bob Hasse at 716-954-3453 for the time and date of courses offered. These classes held at the Officer's Club at Fort Niagara, presented by Flotilla 092-03-01, Youngstown.

Or contact Dan Hoffman of the U.S. Power Squadron, at 716-632-0509. This course will take place at the Inner Harbor Yacht Club, Tonawanda.

Classes start soon so don't hesitate to register.

In Niagara Falls, Michael McCormick will hold a class on Sunday, March 16 at the Niagara Scuba Diving Center on Military Road. Call 716-316-8259 to make reservations.

There is a charge for these courses, plus a $10 fee for a NYS Parks safe boating certificate. All courses are of eight-hour duration, one day, and are for adults and children.

For complete information contact State Parks at: http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/safety-courses.aspx#sthash.epogRghR.dpuf. There are courses available throughout the state.