Contacts:
- David White, NYSG, 315-312-3042
- Drew Wickham, CNY Boat Show & Sale, 585-526-5460

SYRACUSE, NY, January 19, 2009 - Do you need to learn the latest boating regulations? Have a question about what safety gear is required to take your children boating? Then stop by the new Boating Information Center at the 2009 Central New York Boat Show February 11-15.  The Center will be at the main entrance of the Toyota Building at the New York State Fairgrounds.

At the new Boating Information Center, New York Sea Grant, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Syracuse Sail & Power Squadron, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Canal Corporation, the Environmental Facilities Corporation and the Office of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs & Border Patrol will provide up-to-date information and resources for complying with state and federal boating safety regulations and laws, finding pump-out stations, protecting the marine environment, and discovering New York’s boating destinations.

Central New York Boat Show & Sale Manager Drew Wickham says, “The new Boating Information Center is a great way to welcome new and returning visitors to the show. The information available at the exhibit will serve as a guide for searching out the safety and recreational equipment you want and need from show exhibitors.”

The Boating Information Center will include the Discover Clean and Safe Boating vessel decked out from bow to stern with all the gear needed to properly and legally equip a pleasure boat to be on the water in 2009. Each item will be tagged with details about its proper use.

“The Discover Clean and Safe Boating display at the new Boating Information Center will show the various gear and equipment needed to comply with 2009 rules and regulations. We are pleased to partner with the other coastal services agencies to provide vital information on boating safety and regulations, cross-border boating, and New York’s terrific boating, diving and fishing destinations,” says David G. White, a recreation and tourism specialist with New York Sea Grant, Oswego, NY.

Show Includes Young Boater’s Certification Opportunity
New York Sea Grant, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Syracuse Sail & Power Squadron will also offer two sessions of the Young Boater’s Certification Course for ages 10 to 17 as part of the education and information mission at the Central New York Boat Show.

One session will begin Thursday, February 12 from 6-8:30 pm and end on Saturday, February 14 from 10am to 3:30 pm; the other course will begin Friday, February 13 from 6-9 pm and end on Sunday, February 15 from 10 am to 3 pm. Pre-registration is required.

Participants must attend both sections of their chosen course for a total of eight classroom hours of training and must complete a proctored exam at the show to be certified to operate a boat on New York State waters. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Syracuse Sail and Power Squadron will teach the course in the Seminar Room of the Horticulture Building at the Fairgrounds.

The course is free and each youth will receive three free admission passes to the Central New York Boat Show. More information will be provided upon registering with New York Sea Grant office at 315-312-3042. Space for each of the two courses will be limited to 20 youth.

Learn more about the Central New York Boat Show and register to win free show tickets at www.cnyboatshow.com.

Did you know?

• The Central New York Boat Show and Sale is New York State’s largest & oldest boat show.
  
  
• You will see more than 500 power and sail boats, yachts, water recreation equipment and marine accessories on display at the 2009 Central New York Boat Show and Sale.
  
  
• Show Hours: 1-9 pm on Wednesday, February 11; Thursday, February 12; and Friday, February 13; 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday, February 14; and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, February 15.
  
  
• Show Admission: $9 per person; children under 12 free. Parking and parking lot shuttles are free.
  
  
• Youth who register for one of the two Young Boater Certification Courses will receive three passes for the show for Saturday, February 14. Each session is limited to 20 youth; more info: New York Sea Grant at 315-312-3042.