Memorial Day is a holiday where Americans honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It's also considered the start of the summer season, a time in which residents engage in activities, barbecues, road trips and vacations. It's important to be safe while participating in those activities on land, in the air, and even in the water.

Gary Mazzacano is a marine patrol officer that is ready to protect and serve. However, he advises boaters on safety protocols while enjoying water activities. 

“You've got to make sure your lights, navigation lights, are all in good working order, and that you have lights,” Mazzacano said. “If you don't have lights, you'll be stopped and get a ticket.”

So ensure you enjoy working and be very careful in the dark, Mazzacano warns.

He informs everyone about safety. However, some people believe boat regulations are too strict. They think that as long as the boat has a life jacket for each person on board, that should be enough.

"We look for life jackets for everyone on board, horns for signaling, fire extinguishers, and those are some of the things we check on launch day,” Mazzacano said.

A retired state police officer, Mazzacano spends his summers on Lake George. He believes that learning the rules of the water and using common sense when operating a boat is crucial. He says people need to watch out for other boaters on the water to avoid collisions and dangerous wakes. 

“New York state law requires motor safety certificates for people born after 1980. Therefore, it's been an increasing thing, and by 2025 all people who operate boats need boater safety courses,” Mazzacano said.

According to AAA, boater insurance protects boaters. Many boat owners assume their boat, trailer and onboard items are automatically covered by their homeowner's or auto insurance policies. The truth is, most auto or homeowner policies do not cover boat damage, theft or liability.

The weather changes suddenly. It can shift from delightful to dangerous quickly. If bad weather approaches, it's advisable to get off the water as soon as possible. Mazzacano says that in recent years more and more people have participated in activities beyond boating, so they should know the regulations. 

"Last year, we issued 1100 warnings, over 1100 warnings on different items, including kayaks and canoes, which must have life jackets and whistles on board,” Mazzacano said. “One of the reasons we are seeing an increase in rescues is that all the resorts offer kayaks and paddle boats and paddle boards."

Mazzacano indicated that operating a boat is a big responsibility and should be done with extreme caution, just like driving a car. Mazzacano says that there is an area in the shallow part of the water where rocks can almost be seen in the water. This indicates that there is a dangerous area.

In any emergency, you should call for help even on the water.

“In most cases, dialing 911 during an emergency is the best way to contact marine patrols on the lake,” Mazzacano said. “If we get a call on the water, several marine patrols will respond depending on how urgent or serious the call is.”

You can more information on boating safety at Parks.NY.Gov.