Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Before you take your motorboat out on the water this summer, New York State reminds you of a new mandatory eight-hour course on motorboat safety.
Sgt. Edward Krypel of the Erie County Sheriff's Marine Division says the course covers several matters.
"Safety wise, a life jacket, a whistle, a distress flag or flares, depending if you're going to be out at night, a Type 4 throwable anchor. And that is based on the length of your vessel," detailed Krypel in an interview with WBEN.
Krypel says this is an important course for boaters to take.
"I feel it's very important if you're out there operating a vessel on the waterway, and you have no idea on how to operate a boat. It just starts with a basic education on how to operate and make it safer for everyone else out on the water," Krypel explained.
He says the cost can vary, but take it once, and as long as you have the certification on you with your boat, you'll never have to take it again.