Brianna’s Law Addresses the Need for Required Safety Training

Required safety training

NEW YORK – As reported in an online news article published by news.hamlethub.com, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Brianna’s Law, which will require boaters to undergo safety training before operating a motorboat.

Governor Cuomo recently signed new legislation, known as Brianna’s Law, which will phase in a requirement that all boaters who operate motorboats undergo safety training.  The law will take full effect in 2025, providing 5 years to phase in the new law.  The law stems from a young Long Island girl named Brianna who sustained fatal injuries in a boating accident while with her family in 2005.

As part of the implementation of Brianna’s Law, Governor Cuomo directed State Parks to initiate a boating safety promotional campaign to inform boaters of the new law that requires them to take an approved safety course.

According to Governor Cuomo, boating has increased in popularity, yet the laws have not followed.  As such, many boaters on the water do not have the necessary experience or understanding of boater safety to ensure neither they nor anyone else on their boats are involved in an accident that potentially results in injuries or death.

Specifically, Governor Cuomo stated that there “should be a basic level of knowledge that you have before you’re given the permission to go out there and operate a boat and making a safety course mandatory is common sense.” Governor Cuomo goes on to state that it “took a horrific accident to make the situation real for people, but through this law Brianna is saving lives and her love lives on.”

Brianna’s Law protects boaters and passengers, as there will be a necessary knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to operating motorboats. Additionally, the law will help to make New York waters safer for everyone.  Brianna’s Law does not apply to operators of sailboats, kayaks, standup paddleboards, rowboats, and canoes.