Sheriff’s Office Offering Free Boater Safety Course

Oneida County, NY (WIBX) - The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is offering a general boater safety course for those taking part in water recreation this summer. The 8-hour course will be conducted by members of the Sheriff's Marine Patrol at the Oneida County Stop DWI Office in Oriskany. Public Information Officer, Lieutenant Jim McCarthy says the course is mandatory if you plan on using certain watercrafts.

McCarthy said, "It is required for everyone who wishes to operate a Jet Ski  or personal water craft, and for youths to operate a boat from age 10 to 14, if they wish to operate it alone." Those younger than 10 years old can only operate a motorboat (non-PWC) if they are accompanied with someone who holds a safety certificate. Also, McCarthy says anyone may operate a personal watercraft if they are accompanied with a certified operator who is at least 18 years old.

McCarthy says the course will cover the following, "Safety, boating operation, rules of the road, recommended procedures, equipment, they also learn terminology, things about hypothermia, carbon-monoxide poisoning, we cover quite a few things including life jacket use, laws affecting while your operating on the waterways, registrations of boating vessels, who can operate, when you can operate and how you should operate." The class is free to take and limited to the first 30 people who sign up.

Classes will be held on the following dates and locations:

• May 14th, 21st, and 28th at the Oneida County Stop DWI Office at 200 Base Rd in Oriskany (Old Oneida County Airport Complex)
• Classes will start at 8:30 a.m.
• Sign up by calling, Lt. Jim McCarthy at (315) 765-2211 or email him at jmccarthy@oneidacountysheriff.us.
• Organizers recommend those who attend bring a snack due to the length of the course.