As boating season approaches, I would like to inform residents about some new personal watercraft regulations and about some wonderful programs offered by the Town of Hempstead Conservation and Waterways Department.

New York State recently changed the requirements to operate a personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Waverunner, etc.). The regulations are being phased in and by 2004, anyone operating a personal watercraft will have to earn a boater safety certificate before they may operate one of these watercraft. Currently, you need to complete a boating safety course if you were born after January 1, 1975. As of January 1 of 2003 anyone who was born after January 1, 1972 will have to complete a boater safety course in order to legally operate one of these watercraft.

I am pleased to inform residents that the Town of Hempstead, Department of Conservation and Waterways offers boating safety courses each year. Those successfully completing this course will receive a New York State Boating Safety Certificate. The courses are held at the Conservation and Waterways building on Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout. There is a $10 fee for adults and the course is free for anyone between the ages of 10 and 17. For additional information about these courses and when they are available, call 897-4100.

Another wonderful program offered by the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables is known as Operation ID. This program is an effort to keep boaters' belongings safe. By having the bay constables mark your boating equipment with an identification number, you can ensure that police agencies across the nation will be able to assist in returning stolen equipment to its rightful owner. In addition, this identification program works very well as a theft deterrent because each vessel that is part of this identification program will receive a sticker to display as a warning to any potential thieves.

Our proximity to the water is one of the many benefits to living in the Town of Hempstead and we want to be sure that all residents enjoy a safe and secure boating experience. The Town of Hempstead is proud to be able to offer these programs which will help ensure that you and your family enjoy your time on the water.