Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper wants you to practice basic water safety so that everyone can enjoy this water season on Western New York waterways.
BUFFALO NIAGARA WATERKEEPER’S TIPS
Remember that boating, paddling and drinking don’t mix.
Be a steward of the water.
Dress for the weather and be aware of potential storms and changing weather conditions.
Below is a collection of safety resources that you can use to stay safe while enjoying the water!
Learn the importance of wearing a life jacket and take the pledge.
Learn about your responsibility as a boater.
Take advantage of this extensive collection of resources and consider taking a training!
Clean, drain, and dry your boat before entering a new body of water.
Plan your trip on the Buffalo River ahead of time.
ESSENTIAL PADDLING VIDEOS
Life Jackets
What to Wear
Rules of the Road
Basic Strokes
Plan Your Trip
Gear Essentials
What If I Flip?
Calling For Help
10 Tips to Paddle Safety
Use The Right Vessel
Kayak Cartopping
Don’t Drink and Paddle
GET TRAINED
American Canoe Association (ACA) has an extensive amount of trainings available for people who are new to paddling or looking to further their knowledge and skillset.
Local trainings are available. Find more local trainings at New York State Parks website.
Online NY Boater Exam is available here.
Who needs the NYS Boater Education Course?
- All boaters born on or after May 1, 1996 are required to successfully complete an approved boater education course in order to operate a motorboat.
- Education is mandatory for all personal watercraft (PWC) operators. All personal watercraft operators must successfully complete an approved boating safety course before they can operate a PWC on any waters in New York.
Free online paddle sports safety course Is available here.
Cold Weather Rule in NYS
All boaters on recreational watercraft less than 21 feet in length – including motorboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats – must wear a personal floatation device (PFD) from November 1 to May 1 in New York waters.
ESSENTIAL BOATING VIDEOS
Propeller Safety
Engine Cutoff Switch
Safe Boating Checklist
Water Quality
Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)
A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) contains organisms that can produce toxins. Most algae are harmless and are important components of an aquatic ecosystem. HABs are likely to occur in slow moving water with excess nutrients. HABs are harmful to people and animals.
Riverwatch Report
The Riverwatch Report is an educational tool providing information about water quality in the Western New York Region. Included in the report is baseline water quality data collected by citizen scientists, bacteria data collected by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Young Environmental Leaders Program students, information regarding ongoing and emerging sources of pollution, solutions to ongoing pollution, and ways to get involved with Waterkeeper to help further our mission.
