Covid-19 Update – New York State Parks
Tuesday, March 30, 2020
Covid-19 Update. New York State Parks encourages all boaters to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Avoid crowded launch sites and congregating at marinas – launch or depart the slip as quickly as possible. For guidance on visiting the outdoors during the Covid-19 outbreak, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/covid19/ . New York’s waters remain cold throughout the spring. Life jacket wear is required through May 1 on pleasure boats less than 21 feet long and dressing in layers is recommended to avoid hypothermia. Boaters should be alert at all times and follow the rules of the nautical road. Under Brianna’s law, all operators of motorized vessels must take a safe boating course and earn a safe boating certificate by 2025. Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, all in-classroom safe boating classes are postponed until further notice, but online course options remain available. For a list of approved online providers, please visit the Boating Education Page.