Canal Corporation And State Parks Kick-Off The Fourth Of July Holiday Weekend

The New York State Canal Corporation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today kicked-off the height of the recreational boating season on the New York State Canal System and waterways statewide and encouraged boaters to practice safe boating throughout the season, especially during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation said, "With the upcoming holiday weekend nearly upon us, the Canal Corporation is excited to kick-off the busiest weekend of the recreational boating season. New York's historic Canal System offers more than 524 miles of scenic waterways to explore and is one of the nation's most pristine boating destinations. Whether visiting the Canal during this Fourth of July weekend or at any other time throughout the navigation season, we urge all boaters to be aware of and practice safe boating procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

Commissioner Carol Ash, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation said, "As we head into one of the busiest boating weekends in New York State, it is important to remind all New Yorkers that a little common sense can go a long way. Whether venturing out on one of New York's magnificent waterways for a relaxing canoe or kayak trip, a fishing expedition or a thrilling white water rafting excursion, remember to always practice safe and responsible boating, including always wearing a life jacket."

Director Mantello was joined by officials from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as well as local officials and representatives from the New York State Police, Troop T Marine Patrol, and the Department of Environmental Conservation at an event today at Alcathy's on the Erie Canal in Waterford, Saratoga County.

Senator Joseph Bruno said, "New York's waterways, including the Canal System, provide countless recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy. In order to ensure a pleasant experience for all, I encourage all boaters to be diligent in practicing safe boating during this upcoming holiday weekend and throughout the navigation season."

New York State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt said, "The New York State Police reminds recreational boaters to navigate our State's lakes, rivers, and canals safely and responsibly. The State Police Marine Unit will be patrolling to ensure boaters are wearing personal floatation devices, following posted speed limits, and not operating vessels while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with the expectation that all boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience."

Over the past decade, the New York State Legislature has enacted laws to require personal watercraft operator education, toughen boating-while-intoxicated laws, strengthen personal watercraft emission statutes, improve mandatory lifejacket wear requirements, increase the minimum age for youthful personal watercraft operation, and provide increased state financial assistance to localities for boating navigation enforcement.

In addition, New York State has one of the largest mandatory education programs for personal watercraft (PWC) in the country. There are approximately 50,000 PWCs registered in this state.

State Parks' Marine Services Unit is responsible for the general coordination of boating safety programs and marine law enforcement efforts across the state including patrols, training, and funding for local marine enforcement activities. The Marine Services Unit has developed a nationally recognized boating safety program that has educated over 100,000 boaters in the last five seasons.

In collaboration with State Parks, the State Police conduct a state-wide program entitled Loaner-For-Life, which provides temporary use of personal floatation devices (PFDs) for individuals found lacking required or appropriate life jackets during routine stops by marine law enforcement. The State Police also reward children under the age of 12 who travel the Canal System under the Personal Floatation Device - T-Shirt Program. Those children who are exhibiting safe behavior by wearing their life jacket are rewarded with an educational t-shirt.

The Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York State, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.

The Canal Corporation is a proud supporter of the 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial, a year long celebration designed to commemorate 400 years of progress in the Empire State. For information regarding the Quadricentennial, please visit www.exploreny400.com

For more information about vacation opportunities and events along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.nyscanals.gov. For information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com or call 518-474-0445.

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The New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major incidents and emergencies that may affect travel on the Thruway or navigation on the Canal System. To sign up for the Canal TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Corporation's website at www.nyscanals.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

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