• County Executive Andrew J. Spano would like to mind all operators of Personal Watercrafts (PWC's) that as of January 1, 2004 anyone operating a PWC will need to complete a boating safety course.

• In General, the laws that apply to boats also apply to PWCs, with a few additional restrictions on PWC Operations.

•  Operation of a PWC is prohibited from Sunset to sunrise.

•  A personal flotation device (Life Jacket) must be worn by the operator and all passengers.  A Type III PFD is recommended.

•  If equipped, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator.

•  Visual distress signals and sound signaling device (horn or Whistle) must be carried.

•  Personal watercraft are not allowed within 500 feet of a marked swim area.

•  Reckless operation defined as wake jumping, playing "Chicken" and weaving in and out of congested traffic is forbidden, and constitutes a misdemeanor.

 Alcohol use and watercraft operations (PWCs and Boats) do not mix!
 Most boating and watercraft fatalities are in a large part due to Alcohol
 use.  Don't drink and operate watercraft.

• All operators of personal watercraft will be required to earn a safetycertificate before they may operate.  In addition to teaching theparticulars of handling a PWC, this course will also be beneficial for any boater wishing to learn more about the rules of the road, reading buoys, boat handling, and other boating safety related topics.

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