As boating traffic begins to ramp up across the Finger Lakes, the Keuka Lake Association is urging residents and visitors to review New York’s boating safety laws ahead of National Safe Boating Week later this month.
The organization announced its support for National Safe Boating Week, running May 16-22, while reminding boaters that New York law now requires all motorboat operators to carry a Safe Boating Course certificate while on the water.
The Keuka Lake Association said it works with Yates and Steuben County marine patrols each year to educate the public on boating regulations specific to Keuka Lake, including a local 200-foot, 5 mph speed zone near shorelines, docks, anchored boats and floats. Most waterways in New York use a 100-foot buffer zone, but Keuka Lake’s expanded restriction is intended to improve swimmer safety and reduce shoreline damage during periods of high water.
Officials also reminded wake boarders to avoid repeatedly passing along the same shoreline areas and noted that boats towing skiers or wake boarders must have enough seating for the driver, an observer and all riders being towed.
According to the association, the most common boating violations reported in 2025 involved insufficient life jackets, expired visual distress signals and expired boat registrations. The group stressed that each person onboard must have a properly sized life jacket available, and inflatable life jackets only count if they are being worn.
The KLA also encouraged boaters to consider U.S. Coast Guard-approved LED SOS lights as an alternative to traditional flares, which expire after three years.
KLA President Rob Dintruff said safe boating depends on everyone using the lake responsibly.
Founded in 1956, the Keuka Lake Association focuses on lake level control, water quality, land use, recreational use and conservation efforts across the watershed.
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