Going Kayaking in Buffalo This Summer? Avoid Tickets by Knowing the Rules

Kayaking has become incredibly popular in Buffalo. With the expansion of activity on the waterfront, people are hitting the water to keep cool and see the city from a different angle. But know the rules before you get into any watercraft.

According to WKBW, Erie County Sheriff's deputies will be patrolling the water to be sure that while everyone is having fun, they're also being safe. Some of the things they will be looking for:

1. An emergency whistle
2. A life jacket
3. A white light in case you will be on the water after dark.

Everyone can be a safer boater by following three simple suggestions from New York State Parks:

• Take a boating safety course
• Wear your life jacket
• Don't drink alcohol while boating

Effective May 1, 2014, all individuals born on or after May 1, 1996, are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat.

New regulation in effect for New York State Parks boat launches requires boaters to take the following actions before launching their boat or leaving the site:

• Clean all visible plant and animal material such as weeds and zebra mussels from their boat, trailer, and associated equipment
• Drain the boat’s bilge, live well, bait well, and other water holding compartments

WNY voted kayaking as the "Top Activity To Do On The Waterfront" so do it responsibly.

Earlier this month, Liz headed out with Silo City Paddling, located right in the heart of Silo City, to find out just exactly what the buzz was all about! The history of Silo City is fascinating and you can get very close to it in a kayak! We opted to take the nature route and it was so peaceful!