Safe boating reminders ahead of boating season

MAYFIELD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Swimming and boating season is quickly approaching, and officials are reminding the public of ways to stay safe on the water. Several local law enforcement agencies came together on Thursday to launch this year's Safe Lake Initiative.

There are simple steps boaters can take to keep themselves safe such as wearing a life jacket. Police also highlighted the dangers of alcohol impairment, which officials said is one of the leading causes of boating accidents and deaths.

"If you're going to go out on the lake and have fun and enjoy the day, do it sober, or at least have a sober operator on the boat that can get you back to the dock at the end of the day," Saratoga County Sheriff Sgt. Michael Zocco said.

Any motorboat operators must be at least 14 years old and undergo a boating safety course.