Brianna's Law: Power boat operators in New York must pass a safety course
The Town of Oyster Bay is holding a free seminar to help boaters become compliant before the weather starts warming up.
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A new law in New York state requires operators of power boats to take a safety course.
The Town of Oyster Bay is holding a free seminar to help boaters become compliant before the weather starts warming up. Joesph Gallo, of Locus Valley, is studying hard so he can pilot a boat this season.
“I don’t have a boat but I'm potentially going to buy one. I also help my friends. I drive their boats when they’re tying off and I'm able to navigate, so this is a good way to stay with the law," said Gallo.
Saturday’s seminar was provided by the Town of Oyster Bay free of charge. More than 30 people took part.
“Our bay constables, who are certified trainers, provide the instruction in the class. They know their stuff. They’ve seen accidents where people have lost lives, lost limbs," said Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
The law requiring boaters to take a safety course took effect Jan. 1. It’s called Brianna’s Law, named after an 11-year-old Long Island girl who was killed in a boating accident in 2005.
Instructors say the requirement for boaters to get a safety certificate has been phased in the last several years, but now everyone regardless of age needs to have one. At the end of the eight-hour class, students take a test to get their certificate. Saladino says boaters can also take the boater safety course online or privately.
The Town of Oyster Bay is offering another free boating safety course next week in Massapequa. It’s a two-night class on March 18-19 at the Marjorie Post Park Community Center.
Fines for breaking Brianna's Law are up to $250.
