BEMUS POINT – Boater safety is at top of mind for Chautauqua County’s Sheriff, with a certification class taking place next month.
On May 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office will host a New York State Boater Safety Course at the Lawson Center Boat Museum, located at 73 Lakeside Drive in Bemus Point.
Throughout the session, the Lawson Center Museum staff will provide a light lunch and coffee.
All participants in this event must be at least ten-years-old. If you are 18 years of age or older, there is a $10 fee payable to New York State Parks for a permanent boating safety certificate. Students under the age of 18 are not charged a certificate fee by NYS.
Under a new law known as Brianna’s Law, all motor boat operators will need a boating safety certificate as follows:
- Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
- Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
- Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
All motor boat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. All operators of Personal Water Crafts, or Jet Skis, are required to have a boaters safety certificate regardless of age.
Registration is not required but recommended. The class will be limited to 50 students, to register visit www.sheriff.us or register on the NYS Parks and Recreation website.
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