There will be 4 boater's safety courses offered by the Chautauqua County Office of the Sheriff this spring. No pre registration is required for any of the courses. Registration will take place at the course and parents of  attendees under the age of 18 must sign a release form at the course. Students must be at least 10 years old by the date of the course. The courses are free to anyone age 10 to 17. Those attending age 18 and older will have to pay a $10 fee to NYS to receive their certification card.

This course is now required for anyone born after May 1st 1996 to operate any vessel in NYS. Anyone born prior to May 1st 1996 is exempt from this requirement umless they plan to operate a personal watercraft; which requires the course and to be at least 14 years old.

The courses will be listed on the sheriff's office web page - www.sheriff.us and the NYS office of Parks and Recreation website.

Saturday, June 3rd at the Lawson Center - 73 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point, Course starts at 8 AM, ends at 4 PM - A lunch will be provided by the Lawson Center

Saturday, June 17th at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club - 1 North Mullet Street, Dunkirk, course starts at 8 AM, ends at 4 PM - Students to bring lunch.

Any questions or to view these dates as well as boaters safety tips and laws you can visit the website www.sheriff.us or contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office Marine Dsivisionat 716-753-4929.