Boating Season Beginning

It is spring, we swear. Westchester County has announced its boat ramps will open April 1 and BoatUS has begun running a "Crazy Eddie" style ad about its online safety courses, so it must be spring.

Here are some of New York state's boat launch sites in the Hudson Valley (check this PDF for fees or restrictions):

• Boat Launch Sites for Dutchess County
• Boat Launch Sites for Orange County
• Boat Launch Sites for Putnam County
• Boat Launch Sites for Rockland County
• Boat Launch Sites for Ulster County
• Boat Launch Sites for Westchester County

Remember that navigation is restricted around the bridge construction in the Tappan Zee.

• Regulated Navigation Areas (RNAs) stretch 500 yards north and 500 yards south of the existing bridge. No vessel may stop, moor, anchor or loiter within the RNAs.
• The Eastern RNA will be extremely active and vessels transitioning to and from the eastern shoreline at Tarrytown should approach and depart to the north. The Western RNA will be impassable at times and mariners should stay clear of the area.
• Lighted channel markers provide recreational boater access to the Piermont waterfront.
• Construction barges and other vessels on the site are being tracked by GPS technology.
• Regulated Navigation Areas (RNAs) stretch 500 yards north and 500 yards south of the existing bridge. No vessel may stop, moor, anchor or loiter within the RNAs.
• Periodic closures of the main channel and adjacent span areas will occur. Boaters are strongly urged to avoid the area during those times. Tune to Marine Radio Channel 22A for closure times and Coast Guard advisories.
• TZC will monitor Marine Radio Channel 16 to communicate with boaters.

Westchester County’s three public boat launch areas are located at George’s Island Park in Montrose, Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson and Glen Island Park in New Rochelle.

“Whether they prefer picturesque Long Island Sound or the majestic Hudson, boaters are always eager to return to the water after the long winter, and we are ready to help them have a spring and summer of fun,” said County Executive Rob Astorino.

The Westchester ramps aren't free.

George’s Island Park in Montrose provides access to the Hudson River and accommodates boats up to 21 feet in length. A Westchester County Park Pass is not required. Launching fees for car-top-carried boats are $5 with a Park Pass and $15 without the Pass. Fees for trailer-carried boats are $15 with a Park Pass and $25 without the Pass. Season permits are available to Park Pass holders only for $100, plus a $5 daily parking fee (May through September). The ramp is open 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week.

Croton Point Park also provides access to the Hudson River via the beach, for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and sailboards. No motorized boats are allowed. The daily fee is $5 with a County Park Pass, and $10 without the Pass. The launch is open from 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. For more information, call (914) 862-5290.

Glen Island provides access to Long Island Sound and can accommodate boats up to 21 feet in length. A resident County Park Pass is required to use this ramp. Car-top-carried boats pay $5, and trailer-carried boats pay $15. Season permits are available to Park Pass holders only for $100, plus a $5 daily parking fee (May through September). The ramp is open from 6 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week.

Playland Park in Rye also provides access to Long Island Sound. Beginning Saturday, May 8, car-top carried boats may be launched through September.

Also don't forget that New York state mandates boating safety education. All mechanically propelled vessel operators born on or after May 1, 1996 and all PWC operators must obtain a boating safety certificate by completing a safe boating course.

The BoatUS Foundation advertises its Online Course as the only free online boating safety course approved by the New York state mandatory education requirement for boaters as well as PWC operators who are required to complete a NASBLA approved boating safety course.