With the summer season fast approaching, Long Islanders looking to head out on the water are urged to complete a boater safety course now mandated by the state. The new requirement applies to anyone operating a boat or personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, in any waters within the state.
Turnout has been high at courses promoted by local officials through Safe Boating America, with classes coming up in Blue Point, Riverhead, Setauket, and Southampton. For a complete listing and registration information, visit SafeBoatingAmerica.com. The course fee is $85.
“Long Island is surrounded by water, and we want to make sure that everyone enjoying this beautiful resource stays safe,” said Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. Nearly 100 residents attended a recent course she helped publicize in Riverhead.
The state law requiring the safety certificates is named for Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old from Deer Park who tragically died in a 2005 boating accident. She was killed when a large boat crashed into her family’s vessel as they were returning from Fire Island.
“With more and more boaters heading out on the water, requiring them to take a safety course is a good idea,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, whose district includes the South Shore. “Everyone has to take a driver safety course to operate a motor vehicle and the same now goes for boating and personal watercraft. We’ve seen enough incidents on local waters to know this will help keep things safe.”
Those taking the eight-hour course must pass an exam to prove their efficiency in motorized boat operation, navigation, equipment usage, and safety protocols. The law applies to anyone of any age operating a motorized watercraft.
Based in Bethpage, Safe Boating America is run by Richard Werner, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master Captain with over 16 years of experience. He has personally taught boating education to more than 12,000 students across 350 sessions. Beyond teaching, Captain Werner spent three years advocating for Brianna’s Law.
The course schedule includes:
May 4: Blue Point
May 31: Setauket
June 7: Southampton
June 22: Bluepoint
June 28: Riverhead