Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Press Release

March 14, 2013

Randy Simons
Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868

State Parks Invites Public to Attend a New York Safe Boating Course

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's Marine Services Bureau invites all interested members of the public to attend a boating safety class this April, conveniently scheduled during the time many of the state's students are on their spring break from school.

This comprehensive boating course, which has been approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, is scheduled over two days and is designed to teach the fundamentals of safe boating operation. Participants who attend both days will qualify to receive a New York State Safe Boating Certificate.

In New York, those who must hold a boating safety certificate include:

  • Operators of a personal watercraft who are at least 14 years of age;
  • And those who wish to operate a motorboat, other than a personal watercraft, who are between the ages of 10 and 18.

There is no cost for the class, but a $10 fee for participants 18 and older will be required for a permanent certificate.

The course will be held at the Department of Environmental Conservation's regional headquarters in Ray Brook on Tuesday, April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The headquarters is located at 1115 Rt. 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977. If interested, participants must pre-register by calling (518) 474-0445.

Additional courses are available throughout the state. The course listing is updated regularly on www.nysparks.com.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visitors can call 518.474.0456, visit nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

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