Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara (R,C - Westbury) reminds area residents that May 20 marks the beginning National Safe Boating Week 2000.

"With warm weather upon us, a reminder to recreational sailors to practice boating safety is a must," said Ferrara.

In 1998, New York state made it mandatory for all personal watercraft operators to obtain a boating safety certificate before operating a watercraft. Personal watercraft include jet skis and wave runner, as well as boats.

New York's law, mandating certification, is an expansion of a pervious law requiring personal watercraft operators to be at least 18 years of age. The cost of acquiring a boating safety certificate is capped at $10, and any profit from the boating safety course will be applied to the I Love New York Waterways Boating Safety Fund.

The consequences of failing to obey the water safety certification law include fines, and if an individual commits more than one violation, he or she may face imprisonment.

"As summer approaches, more and more New Yorkers will be drawn to the state's beautiful seashores, lakes and rivers. Practice responsible boating safety, and enjoy the summer," Ferrara concluded.