As National Safe Boating Week approaches, the Finger Lakes Chapter of America’s Boating Club is reminding boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying Seneca Lake and other regional waterways this season.
National Safe Boating Week runs from May 16 through May 22. Officials with America’s Boating Club–Finger Lakes Chapter say this year’s boating season is getting underway with higher-than-normal water levels, making safety precautions especially important.
“High water levels this spring make it especially important to keep a lookout for floating debris and respect no-wake zones near shore to protect shoreline properties,” said ABC-FLX Commander Kris West. “Make sure you check the weather and that you have properly sized life jackets for all aboard before you leave the dock.”
The Watkins Glen-based boating club offers educational classes, public events, and free life jacket loans as part of its mission to promote safe boating experiences throughout the Finger Lakes region.
Since 2019, the club has maintained life jacket loaner stations at the Clute Park kayak and canoe launch and the Clute Park boat launch along the canal in Watkins Glen. Life jackets of various sizes are available free of charge for kayakers, canoeists, and boaters using Seneca Lake.
The organization also offers both in-person and online boating education courses covering topics such as navigation, sailing, marine electrical systems, and America’s Boating Course.
The boating course satisfies New York State requirements under Brianna’s Law, which requires all operators of motorized vessels, including personal watercraft, to complete a boating safety course and obtain a boater safety certificate.
While the law does not currently apply to operators of kayaks and canoes, West said non-motorized boaters are still encouraged to complete a safety course.
“Getting out on the water is a great way to enjoy the beauty of our region, and safety is everyone’s responsibility, whether you’re piloting a powerboat or paddling a kayak,” West said.
America’s Boating Club–Finger Lakes Chapter welcomes sailors, power boaters, kayakers, and others interested in boating and water recreation throughout the Finger Lakes.
More information is available through the organization’s website and Facebook page.
