Boater Safety Classes

It is that time of year when many of us are thinking about taking to the water. In New York State anyone under the age of 18 must have taken and passed an 8 hour Boater Safety Class in order to operate legally. Also ALL operators of Personal Watercraft (PWC) must also take the same course. Please take a minute to  become aware of this training along with equipping and operating your craft in a safe manner.


Learn more about NYS Boater Safety requirements at this link:
http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/education.aspx


It is also a good time to inspect your boat or watercraft to be sure you have the proper safety equipment required by NYS law.

Link to required equipment list: http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/documents/VesselEquipmentGuide.pdf

Get out any enjoy our beautiful waterways.....SAFELY!
- Lakeman

Upcoming safety classes in Cayuga County:

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Cayuga Comm. College, Auburn (Cayuga)

Stiver, Leonard (315)294-8841

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Montezuma Town Hall, 8102 Dock St., Montezuma (Cayuga)

Malenick, John (315)729-6611

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Bass Pro Shops, Finger Lakes Mall, Auburn (Cayuga)

Gray, Ralph (315)258-2700

This class is for adults and children, 2 evening session must attend both

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Montezuma Town Hall, 8102 Dock St., Montezuma (Cayuga)

Malenick, John (315)729-6611

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Scipio Fire Company, 3550 St. Rt. 34, Sciopio (Cayuga)

Nedza, John (315)364-7251

This class is for adults and children, Safe Boating week

There is no cost for this class. If you are 18 or older you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Montezuma Town Hall, 8102 Dock St., Montezuma (Cayuga)

Malenick, John (315)729-6611

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Saturday, June 01, 2013

Montezuma Town Hall, 8102 Dock St., Montezuma (Cayuga)

Malenick, John (315)729-6611

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Sunday, June 02, 2013

Fair Haven Beach S. P.,Sabin Hall, ,14985 S. P. Rd., F.H. (Cayuga)

Woodard, Ro (315)947-5205

This class is for adults and children

There is no cost for this class. If you are 18 or older you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Sunday, June 09, 2013

Montezuma Town Hall, 8102 Dock St., Montezuma (Cayuga)

Malenick, John (315)729-6611

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Montezuma Town Hall, 8102 Dock St., Montezuma (Cayuga)

Malenick, John (315)729-6611

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Montezuma Town Hall, 8102 Dock St., Montezuma (Cayuga)

Malenick, John (315)729-6611

This class is for adults and children

The instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are 18 or older in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.

Finger Lakes Fisheries Meetings

State officials conducted two public meetings this week to discuss the "State of the Finger Lakes."

Fisheries scientists from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation discussed the fisheries of Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes. These four lakes comprise more than 60,000 acres. NYSDEC says the estimated value of their fisheries exceeds $8.9 million. The meetings were held at Bass Pro Shops in Auburn and at the Groton High School in Groton.

The DEC says the Finger Lakes and their tributaries support a variety of trout and salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and panfish. DEC biologists gave updates on the status of trout and salmon fisheries, warmwater fish, regulations, lamprey control, and the Angler Diary Program.

Read more in the Syracuse.com article here: http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2013/03/finger_lakes_fisheries_healthy.html

More about Invasives: The Water flea

Everyday it seems, we hear about another invasive species affecting our water quality or recreation in the Finger Lakes. Another fairly recent invader; the water flea is significantly affecting recreation on lakes all over NY state. Presently it is mainly affecting fishing, but it is another story that highlights the need to clean and inspect for invasives on our equipment before we move them from lake to lake. Learn more about the water flea at these resource links:

Auburn Citizen article:
http://auburnpub.com/lifestyles/why-the-water-flea-makes-life-miserable-for-lake-fish/article_6b5c6737-b8cb-58d2-a7af-d7b32d4a5ed6.html

NY Invasives:
http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=invasive_detail&id=35

Info from Sea Grant program:
http://www.iisgcp.org/exoticsp/fishhook.html

Learn about Hydrilla:
http://owascolake.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=231

Fall Bird Watching trip at the Owasco Flats

Birding at the Flats this Sun 9/25 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Reminder - There will be Fall Bird Watching trip at the Flats and other local areas Sunday morning at 7:00 am.  We will spend the morning walking the Flats trail and if time permits, head to other local birding areas. Bring binoculars, drink and a snack. Meet at Route 38 pull off parking area near kiosk.  Noelle Rayman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and OFNR Volunteer.  Rain or shine.

Please contact us if you have any questions. 

Sandie Doran

Upcoming Boater Safety Classes

The Cayuga County Sheriff's Department will be holding three Boater Safety classes during June and July.

June 18th - 8am -4pm, at the Ira Fire Dept. Route 176 in Cato.

July 9th - 8am -4pm, at the Summerhill Town Hall on Route 90.

July 16th - 8am -4pm, at the Owasco Fire Dept. on Owasco Road, Auburn.

Class size is limited and registration is required by calling Deputy John Nezda at 315.294.8145. The courses are free, but adults will be charged a $10 filing fee when filing for formal credit from the State of NY.

For more information on upcoming classes check out this link:
http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/boating/safety-courses.aspx?cnty=Cayuga&sort=1

Owasco Flats

It's spring and with the recent warmer temperatures we are all thinking about getting outside for some recreation. One pretty neat place to visit to fish, hike or canoe/kayak is the Owasco Flats Preserve at the south end of Owasco Lake. If you go you may see heron, muskrat, beaver, deer or turkey. The Owasco Flats is a unique area that you really need to get out and see. The Owasco Flats are located off of Rt. 38 north of Moravia - see the directions below:

Directions:
From Rochester or Syracuse: Take the New York State Thruway to Weedsport (Exit 40). Take Rt. 34 South to Auburn. Follow Rt. 34 & 38 South (South Street) to Swift Street (Rt. 38 South). Take Swift Street East to Lake Ave. Turn right and continue South on Rt. 38 past the High School to the traffic circle. Continue around the traffic circle and to Route 38, to Moravia. Turn left on Fire Lane 2A, veer to the right at the bottom of the hill and take the dirt road in to the Cayuga County Park. The launch is at the end of the road. 

From Ithaca: Take Rt. 34 North to Route 90-East to Route 38-North. Take Route 38 through the Village of Moravia. Turn left on Fire Lane 2A, veer to the right at the bottom of the hill and take the dirt road in to the Cayuga County Park. The launch is at the end of the road.


Check out the links below to learn more about the Owasco Flats:

Owasco Flats blog:  http://owascoflatsnaturereserve.blogspot.com/

Cayuga County Parks and Trails web site:
http://www.cayuganet.org/canoe/owasco_inlet/index.html

Link to the Owasco section of the I Love the Fingerlakes web site:
http://www.ilovethefingerlakes.com/lakes/Owasco.htm

Link to proposed NYSDEC Owasco Flats Management Plan:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/owasco.pdf

Link to CNY Regional Planning Owasco Flats study:
http://www.cnyrpdb.org/fingerlakes/docs/2007-07-05_OwascoFlatsReport.pdf

Guidebook to hiking Owasco Flats Trail:
"Take A Hike - Family Walks in New York's Finger Lakes Region"
http://www.footprintpress.com/FingerLakes/TAHfingerlakes2Preview.htm
Guidebook to paddling Owasco Inlet through Owasco Flats :
"Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks"
http://www.footprintpress.com/paddling/TAPfingerlakesPreview.htm

It's Spring and the ice is out on Owasco Lake!

The lake ice broke up with yesterday mornings winds. This ended a 56 day run of ice on the entire lake north to south (since 1/24/11). The lake ice sheet had begun to shrink around the edges about two weeks ago. It has been an old fashioned winter here in CNY. Skier's and snowmobiler's have enjoyed one of the best seasons in years. Syracuse presently stands at 174.2" of snow fall so far this season.

The boats won't be far behind. It's time to start thinking about summer on the lake!

- Lakeman

Local Boating Safety Courses

I know the ice isn't out of Owasco Lake yet, but it is never too early to think about boater safety. There are several Boater Safety Training classes coming up over the next several weeks. 

Upcoming local Boater Safety Classes:

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Bass Pro Sportsman Center, Finger Lakes Mall, Auburn (Cayuga)Gray, Ralph (315)258-2700
This class is for adults and childrenThe instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are over 18 in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.
Monday, March 28, 2011Otisco Laker Community Ctr., Amber Rd. Marietta (Onondaga)Gray, Ralph (315)415-8191This class is for adults and children, Sue HarringtonThe instructor charges a fee for this course. If you are over 18 in addition to the class fee you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.
Saturday, April 09, 2011Fair Haven Yacht Club, 14510 Westside Dr, Fair Haven (Cayuga)Servadio, Samuel (315)488-9704This class is for adults and children, contact Karen LeeThere is no cost for this class. If you are over 18 you will be required to pay NYS Parks a $10.00 fee for your boating safety certificate.
Legal Requirements - Persons Required to Complete a Safety Course

You must hold a safety certificate if:

• You wish to operate a motorboat (other than a personal watercraft) and you are at least 10 years old and less than 18 years old.
• If you are less than 10 years old you may operate a motorboat (non-PWC) only if someone over 18 is on board with you. Anyone may operate a personal watercraft if someone at least 18 years old is riding on the craft and they hold a safety certificate.

For more information on Boating Safety and Marine Navigation laws visit the NYS Parks and Recreation web site:http://nysparks.state.ny.us/recreation/boating/safe-boating.aspx

Boater Safety Classes in Cayuga County

Two boater safety classes are being offered by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Department:

Saturday June 12th, 8am - 4pm, Owasco Firehouse #1, 7174 Owasco Road, Owasco

Saturday June 19th, 8am- 4pm, Scipio Firehouse,  3550 State Rt. 34, Scipio.

Both class offerings are free, but you must pre-register by calling Deputy John Nedza at 315-294-8145

Beautiful Memorial Day! (Be safe!)

Wow! What a weekend so far!

The is nicest weather for memorial day weekend in many years. I was out on Owasco Lake the past two days and can't believe all the folks who are out on the water. I even went for a swim saturday, a little cool (a passing boater said it was around 68F), but very refreshing with the air temperatures in the 80's.

I did want to make a comment about safety on the water. There are lots of people out in boats, kayaks, jet ski's etc. Make sure you safety gear is all on board and that young people are WEARING life jackets. Please use caution, most people are just getting on the water for the first time this season and may not be at their peak boating potential.

One other CAUTION to those who may be on Owasco after dark: The lighted point marker buoys HAVE NOT been installed yet! Please use extreme caution until they are placed. Hopefully NYS will be out very soon to remedy this situation.

Lastly, Please take a moment to reflect on this very important holiday. Memorial Day is an opportunity to honor those who have given their lives for freedom as well as those who have served in all of the armed services.

Well get out and enjoy this beautiful day!

Have fun and be safe! - Lakeman

Boating Safety - It's National Safe Boating Week!

With the boating season upon us, all boaters should take a moment to refresh their boater safety knowledge.

The Auburn Citizen has a regular column on Sunday's during the spring and summer covering all aspects of safe boating. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary authors these columns and we encourage you to take a look. In their upcoming series they plan on covering a few of the safety aspects that tend to create trouble. These include, among others, navigation rules, anchoring, docking, trailers and trailering and distress calls.

Link to Auburn Citizen article:http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2009/05/10/lake_life/lakelife02.txt

There are plenty of sources for Boater Safety information on-line, as well as in the user manuals that come with most marine equipment.

So take a few minutes today and review proper safety procedures in your boat's owners manual or check out some of the links we have included at the bottom of this article. As the weather gets nicer and we take to the beautiful waters of upstate NY, please remember to boat safely!

Get out and enjoy the Lake! - Lakeman

- link to the NY Boater safety guide: http://www.nysparks.com/boating/resource.asp
- link to US Coast Guard Boater Safety web-site: http://www.uscgboating.org/SAFETY/safety.htm
- link to an online Boater Safety Course: http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/

Upcoming Boater Safety Courses

With spring in full bloom and the summer boating season almost upon us, its time to be thinking about taking a boater safety course. There are some new requirements since 2006, so be sure to visit the NYS Office of Parks and Recreation web-site at http://nysparks.state.ny.us/boating/edu_boat.asp .

(excerpts from the NYS Parks web-site)
Legal Requirements in NYS - Persons Required to Complete a Safety Course

You must hold a safety certificate if:
-You operate a personal watercraft and are at least 14 years of age. Until 2009 operators age 10-13 can still operate with restrictions.
-You wish to operate a motorboat (other than a personal watercraft) and you are at least 10 years old and less than 18 years old.
-If you are less than 10 years old you may operate a motorboat (non-PWC) only if someone over 18 or someone between the ages of 10 and 18 who holds a safety certificate, is on board with you.
-Anyone may operate a personal watercraft if someone at least 18 years old is riding on the craft and they hold a safety certificate.

Upcoming courses in our area:

Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bass Pro Shop, Auburn, Cayuga, Gray, Ralph (315)258-2700
This class is for adults and children

Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sennett Fire House II, Cayuga, Nedza, John (315)364-7251
This class is for adults and children

Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bass Pro Shop, Auburn, Cayuga, Gray, Ralph (315)258-2700
This class is for adults and children

Sunday, April 26, 2009
Cayuga Comm. College, Auburn, Cayuga, Stiver, Leonard (315)255-1743
This class is for adults and children

Sunday, May 17, 2009
Bass Pro Shop, Auburn, Cayuga, Gray, Ralph (315)258-2700
This class is for adults and children

Monday, May 18, 2009
Bass Pro Shop, Auburn, Cayuga, Gray, Ralph (315)258-2700
This class is for adults and children

Saturday, May 23, 2009
Meridian Fire Dept., Rt. 326, Meridan, Cayuga, Nedza, John (315)364-7251
This class is for adults and children

Link to the full NYS Parks training course schedule:
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/boating/cls_boat.asp?sortBy=0&filterBy=Cayuga