ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – Boating laws are changing in New York in an effort to help keep people safe.
The state now requires all operators of motorized boats and personal watercraft to complete a boating safety course by January 2025.
A majority of boating deaths are drownings and 85% of those who died were not wearing life jackets.
“It is about an eight-hour course, and you can take it in person or online. Lots of organizations offer it. There has long been people go out on the water and they don’t know what they should be doing or how to interact with other boats, and you can learn that in these courses,” said Kenneth Dens of the Fleet Boat Club.
Boaters often return to the water on Memorial Day Weekend for the first time since the fall, and experts remind people to stay alert.
Click here for more on New York’s boating education rules.