newsletter_issue27

Use Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Lifejackets can be the difference between
life and death if your watercraft should encounter trouble.

Attend boater education classes. Classes are held in all counties in NYS for adults as
well as youth (10 and up) operating motorboats as well as personal water craft (PWC.)

     A study of best practices in boating education done in the fall of 2006 by the National
     Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) showed that the states that
     have a long history of boating education requirements also have the lowest average of
     fatalities. The states with no boating education requirements have the highest average
     fatality rates.                (2006 Recreational Boating Report for New York State)

Know the laws governing boating.

Know that consuming alcohol while operating a watercraft is illegal.

Prevention Times

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use
to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Herkimer County Prevention Council
61 West Street
Ilion NY 13357
Ph: 315-894-8080
Fax:: 315-894-6313
Email: hcpc2@juno.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Herkimer County an Agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany

Past Issues of Prevention Times: Aug 08 Substance Abuse on College Campuses Sept 08 Energy Drinks Oct 08 T he New Party Drugs Nov 08 Methamphetamine Dec 08 3-D Month
Jan 09 Snowmobiling Safety Feb 09 FASD March 09 Gambling April 09 Cost Underage Drinking May 09 Prom Jun 09 Graduation

Contributed by:

HCPC Staff

WATERCRAFT SAFETY
HAVE FUN WHILE USING SAFE PRACTICES

Nothing beckons quite as much as a sunny day!
A boat ride, a spin around the lake on a jetski or taking the boat out to a
favorite fishing spot is a wonderful way to spend time. Whether you are
enjoying being on the water by yourself or with family and/or friends,
there are precautions that must be taken in order to be safe.

   New York State law prohibits anyone from operating any vessel while
   impaired or intoxicated through consumption of alcohol or drugs.

  These substances can cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination,
   impaired judgment (taking risks) and slow reaction time.

      According to the 2006 Recreational Boating Report for New York State,
      alcohol was a factor in 15% of boating accidents and played a part in 4 deaths
      in that year. The number of accidents in 2006 was 183, 14 of which resulted
      in fatalities.

Boating and Alcohol/Drugs

Alcohol and Drugs….Zero Tolerance!

                New York State Law sets the following blood alcohol content limits:
~    You are considered to be boating while intoxicated (BWI) if your BAC is 0.08 or greater.
      (The same as DWI.)
~   Youthful operators are subject to “zero tolerance”.
       If under 21 and found to have a BAC between 0.02- 0.07, they are subject to
       penalties for minors as administered by the DMV. Legislation enacted in 2006
       changed the penalties for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol
       to mirror those imposed for violations of driving while under the influence.
              Boating and underage drinking are not tolerated!

New York State has many lakes and many miles of rivers and streams to be enjoyed each year.
Millions of people use the waterways especially during the summer. Get out and have a good time.

Please, do it safely