ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR…

ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR THE 2023 BOATING SEASON

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has announced the first of the 2023 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 class will be conducted on April 15th at the Westmoreland Fire Department, 101 Station Road, Westmoreland, NY. The next is on June 3rd at the Lake Delta Yacht Club, 6487 Karlen Rd. Rome, NY, and June 24th at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 State Route 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. Registered attendees must be at least 10 years old to participate. The course ensures New York’s waterways remain safe and enjoyable.

In New York State:

A. As of January 1, 2020, all motorboat operators regardless of age 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 May 1, 1996, you will need a Boating Safety certificate.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

vessel in 2025.

To sign up for this free, eight hour class, just follow this link at https://www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/252-new-york-safe-boating-course. Once there, find a class in your area by entering your location. When you find a class you are interested in, click the Event name and the class information page will open. Verify that this is the class you are interested in and then click the “Register Now” tab and follow the instructions to register.