On The Water: Sheriff Will Teach Boating Safety Courses

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — In New York, learning about safety on the water isn't just a smart idea —it will soon be the law for all boaters in the state.

Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati has a plan to make that process free and easy. The Sheriff's Office said that over the next several months, Marine Patrol Deputies will be teaching New York State Safe Boating Courses to both educate boaters and help them comply with Brianna’s Law.

Brianna’s Law is named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl from Long Island, who was killed in a boating accident in 2005. Brianna’s Law phases in mandatory completion of a New York State Safe Boating Course for all persons who operate motorized vessels. Failure to comply with this law could result in a fine between $100 and $250.

Any person wishing to operate a vessel who was born on or after January 1, 1983 will need a Boating Safety Certificate as of 2023. Those born on or after January 1, 1978 will need a Boating Safety Certificate beginning in 2024. All operators of motorized vessels, regardless of their age, will need a Boating Safety Certificate beginning in 2025.

Each NYS Safe Boating Course offered by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office will be taught in two 4-hour sessions on a Friday evening and the following Saturday morning. Attendees must attend both sessions of the course to get credit for completing the class.

All courses will be held at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center Community Room at 108 Parker Ave. in the City of Poughkeepsie on the following dates and times:

Course 1

• Friday, April 21, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 22, from 8 a.m. - noon

Course 2

• Friday, April 28, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 29, from 8 a.m. - noon

Course 3

• Friday, May 5 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m. - noon

Course 4

• Friday, May 19, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. - noon

There is no fee to attend. However, registration is required due to limited availability for each session. To register for a course, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3840.