Putnam Boating Safety: Take a Course this Spring

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is offering New York State approved Boater Safety Courses in advance of the upcoming boating season. Courses are coming up in late April and in May, so you won't miss out — and one of them is divided into two sessions on subsequent evenings.

April: April 28 and 29 (Friday & Saturday) from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Attendance is required at both sessions, which together comprise a single course. Location: Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Building, 110 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512. How to Register: Online at the Sheriff’s Office website (click on the “Boat Safety Schedule” link on top of the home page).

May: From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13 Location: Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Building, 110 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512. How to Register: Online at the Sheriff’s Office website (click on the “Boat Safety Schedule” link on top of the home page).

To be eligible to take the course, participants must be 10 years old or older. Anyone over the age of 14 who wants to operate a personal watercraft on the waters of New York State, as well as motorboat operators born on or after May 1, 1996, are required to complete the Boater Safety Course and receive the certificate.

There is no cost for the class; however, upon successful completion of the class, persons 18 years of age and older are required to pay a $10.00 fee in order to receive the certificate.

The certificate is provided free of charge to persons younger than 18 years of age.

For further information, interested persons may communicate with Sergeant Michael Szabo via email at Michael.Szabo@Putnamcountyny.gov

PHOTO: personal watercraft safety/ California Department of Parks