ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Attention boaters, the New York Boating Safety Course is happening soon at a location near you.

It won't be long before boaters are itching to get their boats unwrapped and out on the water for the season.

What You Need To Know

  • The New York Safe Boating Course teaches basic boating skills and encourages common sense and courtesy to all who share the water

  • Boaters can earn their certificate by taking a classroom course with certified New York State instructors or through approved online courses

  • You must be at least 10 years old to take a safe boating course

Lt. Matt MacKenzie heads up the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Marine unit that responds to emergencies on the canal, river, bays and Lake Ontario. He says the safe boating course is kind of like driver's ed. You'll be a better and safer boater after you take it. Beginning January 1, 2025, everyone who drives a power boat has to be certified.

"I think doing so before the weather turns nice is the time to do so because we do not want you out there without it to prevent mishaps on the water and prevent a possible search and rescue incident or an accident," said Lt. MacKenzie. "We patrol all Monroe County waterways. We teach this course and will have the most current laws and experiences that you may encounter."

The safe boating course is an eight-hour class that'll take you through the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. 

Students age 10 and up can take the course. The majority of courses across the state are just $10 or free for anyone under the age of 18.

For a complete list of upcoming classes across the state, click here.