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February - March 2017 February - March 2017 46 47 boatingonthehudson.com Find Us On Facebook at Boating On The Hudson
Schodack Island State Park.
New York State Parks has rolled out new
initiatives to encourage greater safety (and fun!) out on
the water.
Free stickers and decals are being given out to
paddlesport enthusiasts. The “If Found” Stickers are for
identification of owners of non-poweredwatercraft such
as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, standup paddleboards,
and sailboats. They help search and rescue personnel to
quickly determine if an emergency response is needed
when a boat is found on the water without an operator
or if a boat is just accidentally drift and can be returned
to the owner. “Safe ‘n Sight” decals are reflective and
meant to go on each of the four sides of a kayak paddle
blade. As the kayak paddle moves through the water,
the sun will reflect off the decal, making kayakers easier
to spot by other passing boaters.
To receive these free stickers and decals, send
a self-addressed business-size envelope to:
NYS Parks, Marine Services Bureau, Safety
Stickers, Albany, N.Y., 12238.
Alan Mapes kayaking on the Hudson River.
Photo Courtesy of Michael Kalin.
Safe ’n Sight decal on paddle.
“If Found” sticker.
Coming up in March is Spring Aboard, a week that
encourages boaters to enroll in a boating education course.
NYS Parks is expanding upon this event through a “Super
Spring Aboard” week, occurring from March 18 to 26, so
that boaters have two full weekends on each end of Spring
Aboard week in order to complete their course. Boaters can
check the NYS Parks website ) for a list
of boating education courses across the state.
With the waning days of winter comes the desire to
experience warmer temperatures and get on the water.
Even when the weather on land is warm, the water
temperature can still be at levels that make exposure
dangerous. Exposure to the water as the result of capsizing,
swamping or falling out of your boat will be immediately
dangerous. Between November 1 and May 1, anyone on
vessels less than 21 feet, regardless of age, are required to
wear a lifejacket. This includes kayaks, canoes, rowboats,
stand up paddleboards, sailboats and motorboats.
Although State Parks recommends that boaters and
paddlers wear a lifejacket at all times of the year, it is
especially recommended when the water temperature is
below 70˚F.
For more boating safety tips and information on boater
education classes, please visit
recreation/boating/.
State Parks hopes everyone stays safe and has fun on the
water this year!
Boating Safety Initiatives
from New York State Parks