• Filing a float plan to tell others where you will be boating

"As millions of visitors and residents begin heading out on New York's outstanding rivers, lakes and coastal waters... it's important to remember fun boating begins with safe boating," said Carol Ash, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner. "By understanding boating laws, the safe operation of your vessel, and the rules of navigation, you can better ensure a pleasant time for your family and friends."

There are more than 500,000 registered power boats and tens of thousands of additional manual and sail-powered watercraft in New York and New Jersey. There are about 1.2 million more registered vessels on America's waterways than 10 years ago.  N.Y. was ranked seventh in the country for total number of registered boats with more than 500,000 motorized vessels last year; N.J. was ranked 26th with 209,678.

Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times unless situated within the cabin of a vessel. Each vessel must have one United States Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. In nearly 80 percent of fatalities throughout the nation associated with recreational boating last year, the victim was not wearing a life jacket.

In recent years, fines and penalties for boating while intoxicated have been increased and now match those of driving while intoxicated. The state blood alcohol limit for boating while intoxicated is .08. In addition, there is a zero tolerance provision for individuals under the age of 21 that are convicted of boating while intoxicated.

All personal watercraft operators, regardless of age, are required to complete a safe boating course. Children between the age of 10 and 18 must complete a safe boating course if they are operating a vessel without adult supervision. The State Parks Marine Service Unit is responsible for the general coordination of boating safety programs and supports marine law enforcement efforts across the state including patrols, training and funding for local marine enforcement activities. New York has one of the largest boating safety education programs in the country that has educated more than 100,000 recreational boaters over the past five seasons.

The Coast Guard urges mariners to start safe boating by taking a boating safety class before going out on the water.  Knowing how to properly put on a lifejacket, what equipment needs to be onboard a vessel and how to react in an emergency can save the lives of anyone out to enjoy the water.

For more information about boating safety and marine recreation visit http://www.uscgboating.org/.

***Editors note*** Any media interested in National Safe Boating Week stories or interviews should contact PA3 Barbara Patton at (212) 668 7114.