With the arrival of spring, the Town of Hempstead becomes a busy place with the buzz of outdoor activities taking hold in every corner of our township. As a community bordered by bays, channels and inlets, activities on the water are extremely popular, and boating has become almost a way of life for a large segment of our population. With the number of vessels and operators rising every year, it becomes more and more important that "skippers" become knowledgeable about the rules of the waterways and how to deal with potential problems that might occur.

The Town of Hempstead Bay constables are offering a Safe Boaters Course for young adults ages 10 to 18 on three consecutive Saturdays, April 10, 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. The course, which is mandatory for boaters under the age of 18, will be held at the Conservation and Waterways Building on Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout. The participant must attend all three classes and pass a test in order to be certified to operate a boat on Long Island's waterways. For youngsters, this course is invaluable. If the young boat operator has even a limited knowledge of some of the skills necessary to operate a vessel or personal water craft, also known as jet skis, this course will enhance these skills. It will also raise awareness of the dangers that can arise while boating, and how to take steps to prevent them. Please remember, this course is mandatory for young boaters and jet ski operators.

For most of us boating is a fun way to spend a day or a weekend with our family and friends. Hempstead Bay is a beautiful and exciting place to enjoy recreational activities. Being knowledgeable about safe boating goes a long way toward realizing the fun and exhilaration of the sport.

The Town of Hempstead is pleased to participate in the New York State Safe Boating Program, taught by our highly trained and experienced bay constables. Their work has been extremely effective in preventing boating accidents and in helping to save lives. They tell us that among the factors that account for improved boater safety include boater safety education, expanded law enforcement, safer boats, and greater awareness of the roles of alcohol and drugs in boating accidents. All of these topics are included in the course.

On behalf of all the members of the Hempstead Town Board, I urge youngsters to sign up for this boater safety requirement. They must carry their course completion certificate on their vessel while boating. Register by calling the Bay Constables' office at 897-4100. They are available from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.