POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson announced that over the next several months, marine patrol deputies will be conducting boating safety courses to educate boaters and to encourage the safe and lawful operation of vessels in compliance with Brianna’s Law.
Brianna’s Law is named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl from Long Island, N.Y., who was killed in a boating accident in 2005. This law phases in mandatory boater safety education for individuals who operate motorized vessels. Failure to comply with this law could result in a fine of between $100 and $250.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.
Sheriff’s deputies will be presenting the New York State Safe Boating Course on the following dates, times and locations:
- Saturday, March 21, 2020, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the New Hamburg Yacht Club, 6 Water St, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
- Saturday, April 18, 2020, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center, 108 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
- Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center, 108 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
- Saturday, June 6, 2020, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Roger’s Point Boat Association, 190 River Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
There is no fee to attend the course. However, a $10 fee must be paid directly to NYS Parks for permanent certification within 90 days of completing the course.
Registration is required to attend. If you would like to register for a class, please call 845-486-3840.
