Water safety course offered for boaters

On June 22, the New York State Park Police, Genesee Region, will be conducting a Personal Watercraft Safety Course at the Administration Building located in Letchworth State Park. This course will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students are required to attend the full day of instruction in order to be certified. The New York State Law requires the following persons to attend and receive certification prior to operation of any boat or personal water craft without supervision.

•Recreation Boats: Children between the ages of 10 and 18 may legally operate a boat ONLY if they have passed a boating safety course approved by NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

•Personal Watercraft: Persons between the ages of 10 and 27 may legally operate a personal watercraft ONLY if they have passed a boating safety course approved by NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Persons interested in taking the Young Boaters Safety course should pre-register by calling the New York State Park Police at 585-658-4692 on Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested should call as soon as possible as class size is limited.

By year 2004, all persons who operate a personal watercraft in the state will need to be certified through this process.