Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

"With our exceptional rivers, lakes and coastal waters, New York is home to some of the best recreational boating in the nation," Governor Cuomo said. "These new vessels will help state and local law enforcement keep our waterways safe and welcoming for New Yorkers and visitors alike."

This year's patrol vessels were assigned to:

• Department of Environmental Conservation Police, Region 4 - 24' Justice model
• New York State Park Police, Niagara Region - 750 Impact model
• Suffolk County Police Department - 24' Justice model
• Glen Cove Police Department - 24' Justice model
• Yates County Sheriff's Department - 24' Justice model

The boats, valued at approximated $150,000, were made possible through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, which provides funding to the states to assist with recreational boating safety. The patrol vessels will be delivered in July. These police agencies will use them to enhance recreational boater safety and enforce the New York State Navigation Law.

"Our law enforcement partners do an excellent job helping promote safe recreational boating across New York," said Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "Recreational boaters can do their part by following a few simple precautions that will help ensure a trip stays fun from beginning to end."

National Safe Boating Week is a campaign sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council to spread the message of boating safety and encourage boater education.

Boaters are reminded to practice safe and responsible boating, including:

• Wear a personal floatation device whenever they are on the water. State law requires that children under age 12 wear a personal flotation device while on a watercraft;
• Complete a safe boating course;
• Properly equip and inspect their vessel;
• Maintain a prudent speed;
• Refrain from mixing alcohol with boating; and
• Check the weather forecast before heading out on the water to learn about potential storms and seek immediate shelter on shore if thunder is audible.

People paddling canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards should know their abilities and take precautions when there are high or steady winds creating large waves, or when they are in strong currents. Paddlers in waters where there are motorboats should keep close to shorelines and out of main channels.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said, "The diverse boating opportunities around Long Island are part of what makes our quality of life in Nassau County so exceptional. I'm grateful for Governor Cuomo's work to keep Long Island residents and visitors safe while they enjoy boating here."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, "As the summer season gets underway, it is essential for local law enforcement to have the tools available to enforce our boating safety laws. I thank Governor Cuomo for delivering these patrol vessels to our waters to help meet our obligation and keep residents safe."

Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike said, "Recreational boating in New York is important to our state in many ways. The patrol vessel program is a great asset to law enforcement and the patrols are a public reminder of safety, and that the navigation related laws are important. Our office provides marine patrol services on Seneca, Keuka, and Canandaigua Lakes in the Finger Lakes Region and we thank the Governor and the NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation for this important support program."

To protect New York's water quality and avoid spreading aquatic invasive species, all boaters and paddlers should check, clean, drain, dry and disinfect watercraft. Learn more at https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html.

For more information about boating safety - including listings of boating safety courses - and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com/recreation/boating.