Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua) recently announced that he will partner with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office to sponsor a series of free boater safety courses. The courses will be offered in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, and will be held on Saturday, May 5 at the Cassadaga Legion, 228 Maple Avenue, Cassadaga; on Saturday, May 12 at the Southwestern Middle School, 600 Hunt Road, Jamestown; and on Saturday, May 19 at St. Timothy’s Church, 3748 Route 430, Bemus Point, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendees will only need to attend one of the days to complete the course.

“Both Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie provide residents of Chautauqua County with tremendous economic, recreational and educational resources,” said Goodell. “While everyone, including myself, looks forward to the return of the summer boating season, we also want to make sure that boat operators are both safe and responsible when enjoying our local lakes. That is why I am so excited to partner with Sheriff Gerace’s office to provide these valuable water safety classes to our community. Their continued commitment to the safety of Chautauqua County’s recreational boaters ensures that we will continue to have fun in the sun this summer.”

The event is free and open to the public, but a $10 charge will be required for participants 18 and older when they apply for the New York State Boating Safety Card. The class will complete the necessary course requirements for persons aged 10 to18 who wish to operate a vessel and for those age 14 and up who would like to operate a personal watercraft. For additional information, or to pre-register, contact Assemblyman Andy Goodell at 2 E. Second Street, Suite 320, Jamestown, NY 14701, by phone at 716-664-7773, or by email at goodella@assembly.state.ny.us.