These weekly articles normally discuss vehicle and traffic law and traffic safety, but I recently had a request from Saranac Lake to write something on boating safety and applicable laws regarding navigation on Lake Flower and other bodies of water in New York state. So, here goes, with the assist going to the state Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

State law requires that boats not exceed a speed of 5 miles an hour when within 100 feet of the shore, a dock, pier, raft, float, or an anchored or moored boat. Local ordinances may also be in place for specific waterbodies. Reckless operation of a boat can result in a misdemeanor citation. Examples of reckless operation include operating at high speed in areas congested with other boaters, operating near swimmers and coming too close to another vessel.

State law also sets maximum noise levels for recreational boats, and officers can order a vessel that exceeds such limits be docked until it can be brought into compliance.

New York also continues to phase in Brianna’s Law, which requires all operators of motorized watercraft to complete a state-approved boating safety course. Adopted in 2019, the law currently requires all motorboat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993, to have a boating safety certificate. Failure to comply carries a potential fine of between $100 to $250.

Beginning in 2022, that requirement extends to all boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1988. In 2023, the requirement extends to those born on or after Jan. 1, 1983, and in 2024, extends to Jan. 1, 1978. The law will apply to all operators regardless of age beginning in 2025. State safety courses can be taken in person or online. Information on course availability can be found at: parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx.

Enforcement of state navigation law is within the jurisdiction of several law enforcement agencies, including state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; state Park Police; New York State Police; and the state Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as county and local law enforcement officials.

Since Lake Flower is inside the Blue Line, the DEC is the main enforcement agency. They do periodic enforcement on Lake Flower and other lakes and bodies of water within the Adirondack Park, often with assistance from local police departments, sheriff departments and State Police.

We still have a lot of boating weather the rest of this summer and fall, so be aware of the navigation laws and respect other users of our beautiful lakes and rivers in Franklin County and the rest of New York state.