New York State’s Warning For Anyone On Open Water

Have you been out on a boat yet this summer in New York State?

The weather has been nearly perfect for spending time on the water. While the extreme heat and humidity are taking a short break, the next several days should still provide excellent conditions for boating across New York.

From the Great Lakes to inland rivers, lakes, and even the Atlantic Ocean, New York offers countless opportunities for boaters to get outside and enjoy the summer.

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New York Has No Shortage of Amazing Places to Boat

We are fortunate to have so many incredible waterways throughout New York State. Whether you’re cruising on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, one of the Finger Lakes, the Hudson River, or heading out into the Atlantic, there are plenty of places to spend a relaxing day on the water.

I’ve often thought about buying a boat for my family. The idea of floating around on a beautiful summer afternoon sounds pretty appealing. The challenge, though, is finding the time. Between baseball, lacrosse, work, and other family activities, I’m not sure we’d get enough use out of it to justify the expense.

Then there’s the cost of owning a boat, from maintenance to fuel. There’s an old saying that the two happiest days for a boat owner are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it.

New York State Wants Boaters to Help Stop the Spread of an Invasive Species

For those who spend plenty of time on the water, New York State is asking for a little extra help this summer.

I had never heard of the spiny waterflea until I recently saw a post from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Despite its name, it isn’t actually a flea. It’s an invasive aquatic species that can spread from one body of water to another by hitching a ride on boats and fishing equipment.

According to the DEC, boaters should thoroughly clean their boats and equipment before launching into another lake or river. That includes:

• Fishing lines
• Bait buckets
• Nets
• Boats
• Kayaks
• Other gear that comes into contact with the water

Taking a few extra minutes to clean your equipment can help prevent the spiny water flea from spreading to additional waterways across New York State.

Plenty of Summer Boating Season Still Remains

Even though we’ve already celebrated Independence Day, there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy.

Before the kids head back to school and cooler weather arrives, there are still several weeks to get out on the water. If you’re fortunate enough to own a boat, now is a great time to take advantage of New York’s beautiful lakes and rivers while helping protect them for future generations.