In honor of National Safe Boating Week this week, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary spoke with News 12 about being safe on the water.  

According to the state Parks Department, in 2022, New York had 22 reported boating deaths. The department says that alcohol and drug use is a significant cause of fatal boating accidents between 2005 and 2022.  

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends all people planning to take boats out this summer take a boater education course. It’s currently optional, but will be mandatory in New York by 2025.  

They also advise boaters to avoid alcohol consumption, know their state’s maritime laws, know their vessel and read the owner’s manual, and wear a life jacket.