FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2007
CANAL CORPORATION AND STATE PARKS KICK-OFF THE SUMMER
RECREATIONAL BOATING SEASON
National Safe Boating Week Runs May 19-25, 2007
New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R.
Mantello and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today kicked-off the traditional start of
the summer recreational boating season on the New York State Canal System and
waterways statewide and encouraged boaters to practice safe boating throughout
the season, especially during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
“With great weather planned for the upcoming holiday weekend, the Canal
Corporation is excited to kick-off the start of the 2007 summer boating season,”
Director Mantello said. “New York’s historic Canal System offers more than 524
miles of scenic waterways to explore and is fast becoming one of the nation’s
premier boating destinations. Whether visiting the Canal during this Memorial
Day weekend or at any other time throughout the navigation season, we urge all
boaters to be aware of and practice safe boating procedures to ensure a safe and
enjoyable experience.”
“The historic New York State Erie Canalway, and the many unique rivers, lakes
and coastal waters across the state, provide exciting travel destinations and
tourism opportunities along waterfront communities,” said Ash. “New York is
committed to ensuring safe waters for our recreational boaters. As we recognize
National Safe Boating Week, it is important for individuals heading out for
summer activities to be aware of the risks that can exist upon the water and
take every precaution to develop and practice safe habits and always wear the
proper life jacket.”
Director Mantello was joined by officials from the Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation, as well as local officials and representatives from
the New York State Police, Troop T Marine Patrol, and the Department of
Environmental Conservation at an event today at Lock 7 Canal Park on the Erie
Canal in Niskayuna, Schenectady County.
State Senator Hugh T. Farley said, “New York's canals and waterways are
shimmering jewels -- especially on a bright and beautiful day like today.
Boaters enjoy a unique perspective, playing and exploring free from many of the
constraints of dry land. But, with the rewards of water-based recreation come
the responsibilities of safe boating. I commend Director Mantello and
Commissioner Ash for today's timely reminder of the importance of boating
safety.”
Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco said, “New York's historic canals and other
waterways help drive tourism in upstate New York and provide residents and
visitors with a wealth of recreational opportunities. Boating can be great fun
for the whole family- as long as individuals take the proper precautions, always
wear their life vests and practice safe boating techniques. I commend our State
agencies and the men and women in law enforcement who are working to keep
boaters safe this holiday weekend and throughout the year.”
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Preston L. Felton said, “Each year
as more recreational boaters navigate New York State's lakes, rivers and canals,
the New York State Police reminds everyone to operate their vessels safely and
responsibly. This includes wearing personal floatation devices, following posted
speed limits, and not operating vessels while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. State Police Marine Units will be patrolling the many waterways
throughout the state to ensure all boaters have a safe and enjoyable
experience.”
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said, “Recreational
boating on the historic New York State Canal System is a great way to view some
of the state’s unique natural landscapes, aquatic habitats and wildlife. I
encourage all outdoor enthusiasts, whether on the water or on a dock, to wear a
life jacket and act responsibly. Obeying boating regulations and environmental
laws will help improve personal safety and keep our ecosystems healthy and our
waterways beautiful.”
Over the past decade, the New York State Legislature has enacted laws to require
personal watercraft operator education, toughen boating-while-intoxicated laws,
strengthen personal watercraft emission statutes, improve mandatory lifejacket
wear requirements, increase the minimum age for youthful personal watercraft
operation, and provide increased state financial assistance to localities for
boating navigation enforcement.
In addition, New York State has one of the largest mandatory education programs
for personal watercraft (PWC) in the country. There are approximately 50,000
PWCs registered in this state.
State Parks’ Marine Services Unit is responsible for the general coordination of
boating safety programs and marine law enforcement efforts across the state
including patrols, training, and funding for local marine enforcement
activities. The Marine Services Unit has developed a nationally recognized
boating safety program that has educated over 100,000 boaters in the last five
seasons.
In collaboration with State Parks, the State Police conduct a state-wide program
entitled Loaner-For-Life, which provides temporary use of personal floatation
devices (PFDs) for individuals found lacking required or appropriate life
jackets during routine stops by marine law enforcement. The State Police also
reward children under the age of 12 who travel the Canal System under the
Personal Floatation Device – T-Shirt Program. Those children who are exhibiting
safe behavior by wearing their life jacket are rewarded with an educational
t-shirt.
For those recreational boaters choosing to travel on the New York State Canal
System, the 2007 navigation season promises to be one of the most exciting ever.
Recreational boating tolls have again been waived for the 2007 season and more
than 150 events and festivals are planned throughout the season to attract
boaters and visitors of all ages. Hours of operation on the canal are currently
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through September 15 and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September
16-November 15.
The Canal System offers hundreds of public and private boat launch sites and marinas for recreational boaters to utilize. With more than 70 marinas offering boater services and amenities such as transient and overnight dockage, utilities, fuel and pump-outs, the Canal System is well equipped with boater conveniences. Additional tie-ups, improved waterfront dockage, restrooms and picnic facilities are also available in many canal-side communities for boaters to dock and set out on land.
The Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York State, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.
For more information about vacation opportunities and events along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.nyscanals.gov. For information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com or call 518-474-0445.
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The New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major incidents and emergencies that may affect travel on the Thruway or navigation on the Canal System. To sign up for the Canal TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Corporation's website at www.nyscanals.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.