Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua) recently joined Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace to co-host a series of boater safety courses. The class taught students about safe boating techniques, proper use of personal watercrafts, and responsible boater ownership.

Deputy Sheriffs Greg and David Paterniti, who are instructing the class, are experts in boater safety, with years of experience on Chautauqua Lake between them.

“I want to thank Sheriff Gerace and Deputy Sheriffs Greg and David Paterniti for their commitment to safety on the water and their superb efforts teaching the class,” said Goodell. “From Chautauqua Lake to Lake Erie, we are lucky to have some of the most spectacular places to relax and enjoy the sunshine and summer weather. Ensuring that personal watercrafts are operated safely and properly allows everyone to take pleasure in their time on the water. Again, I want to wish everyone a safe and fun summer.”

Assemblyman Goodell and Sheriff Joseph Gerace will be co-hosting one final spring boating safety course. The course will be held on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at St. Timothy’s Church, 3748 Route 430, Bemus Point. 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 to 18 who wish to operate a vessel and for those aged 14 and up who would like to operate a personal watercraft. For additional information, or to pre-register, contact Assemblyman Goodell’s district office at 2 E. Second Street, Suite 320, Jamestown, NY 14701, by phone at 716-664-7773, or email goodella@assembly.state.ny.us.