ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR…

ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR THE 2021 BOATING SEASON

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has announced the first of the 2021 dates that the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol will be offering the “New York State Boater Safety Course”.

In order to make these classes as convenient as possible for residents, they will be held in various locations throughout Oneida County. The first two classes will be conducted on April 24th & April 25th, 2021 at the Westmoreland Fire Department, 101 Station Road, Westmoreland, New York and on May 8th, 2021 at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 State Rte. 28, Forestport, New York.

All classes begin promptly at 9:00 A.M. and because it is an 8 hour class, it is recommended that everyone bring snacks, drinks and/or a lunch. This class is limited to 30 students and additional classes will be offered at a later date if the need arises.

In New York State:

A. As of January 1, 2020, everyone operating a motorized vessel will need a safety certificate by 2025. This is a requirement of the new legislation known as “Brianna’s Law:

1. If you were born on or after January 1, 1993, you will need the certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2020.

2. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you will need the certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2022.

3. If you were born on or after January 1, 1983, you will need a certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2023.

4. If you were born on or after January 1, 1978, you will need a certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2024.

5. If you were born before 1978, you will need a certificate by the first time you operate a

vessel in 2025.

** All COVID-19 protocols will be in effect for those in attendance including proper face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

A. Students must wear a face covering whenever another person is less than 6 feet away from them (health screening, collecting payment, grading exams, etc.)

B. If a student does not bring a face covering or follow the COVID-19 protocols, the Instructor has the right to deny the student access to the course.

C. Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth (homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana, face/neck gaiters, buffs), surgical masks, dust masks and face shields.

To sign up for this free, eight hour class, please call the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office at 315-765-2222 and speak with Sue Goding.

To find additional class dates and locations, you can visit the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation’s web site at www.nysparks.com/boats or call 1-800-336-2628 to get information on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary & U.S. Power Squadron Boater Safety Course dates and locations.