NY SeaGrant expert shares boating safety habits that save lives
Release Date: 06/30/2026
NY SeaGrant expert shares boating safety habits that save lives
Extension Out Loud
Planning to spend time on the water this summer? Before you launch, tune in to this episode of 'Extension Out Loud' featuring Megan Cochran, Great Lakes Outreach Coordinator with New York Sea Grant. In this episode, we discuss key steps to take before you head out, including completing a boating safety course (required in New York for all motorized vessel operators starting January 2025), wearing a life jacket, monitoring the weather and filing a float plan. The conversation also explores one of the leading factors in fatal boating accidents—alcohol use—and offers guidance on choosing and...
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info_outlinePlanning to spend time on the water this summer? Before you launch, tune in to this episode of 'Extension Out Loud' featuring Megan Cochran, Great Lakes Outreach Coordinator with New York Sea Grant.
In this episode, we discuss key steps to take before you head out, including completing a boating safety course (required in New York for all motorized vessel operators starting January 2025), wearing a life jacket, monitoring the weather and filing a float plan.
The conversation also explores one of the leading factors in fatal boating accidents—alcohol use—and offers guidance on choosing and wearing today's more comfortable life jackets, including inflatable options.
For kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders, Cochran highlights added safety considerations such as visibility, carrying a whistle as a sound-signaling device and using navigation lights in low-light conditions.
Links:
NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation boating safety