Why You Need an NYS Boating Safety Certificate!
Despite the fact that boats can do just as much damage as cars, boat safety laws have always lagged. Unlike a car; you don’t need a license to drive a boat. Since 2020, laws have come into effect to keep you and your family safe on the water. See what action you need to take to comply with 2022 boating safety laws!
In 2020, there were more than 5,000 accidents involving 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries, and approximately $62.5 million dollars of damage to property due to recreational boating accidents, according to the 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics report released by the US Coast Guard. Compared to 2019, the number of accidents increased 26.3%, the number of deaths rose 25.1%, and the number of injuries increased 24.7%. These numbers are far too high and through awareness and promoting resources like boating safety certification courses, we can all do our part to keep our waterfront safe.
A law passed in 2017, known as "Brianna's Law," has been partially implemented since 2020 and seeks to make the water safer for boaters and everyone who shares the water. The law honors Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old who lost her life in a boating accident almost a decade ago. After Brianna's tragic accident, her mother, Gina Lieneck, “pledged to make the waterways safer for future families.”
Under "Brianna's Law," New York State requires that all motorboat operators, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. This not only applies to motorboats but jetski’s, wave runners, and any other small craft with a motor.
Under a new law, known as Brianna's Law, all motorboat operators:
Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
Born on or after Jan. 1, 1983, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.
Non-motorized watercraft such as sailboats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and canoes do not require a boating safety certificate. However, attending this class could still be beneficial. The NYS Boating Safety Certificate class will familiarize you with the general practices that 'road' (water) users are required to follow so that you can be more aware of the water and prevent injuries and accidents. NYS Boating Safety Certificate Courses help you, your family, and your community stay safe while enjoying time on the water.
Boating Safety Certification Course
The WaterFront Center’s NYS Safety Certification Course satisfies the requirements for boaters under "Brianna's Law". This course covers basic seamanship, navigation, rules of the road, boating safety, and boating laws pertaining to New York State.
$50+tax for a printed textbook, enrollment in this one-day, course, February 22nd, in the classroom with an instructor, and an NYS Boating Safety Certification Card upon successful completion.
Full details on age requirements for Brianna's Law can be found on the NYS Parks Dept Website:
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