Life jackets, classes and educational events drive the message of the Finger Lakes Chapter of America’s Boating Club (ABC-FLX) focusing on safe experiences on Seneca Lake and other regional waterways.
Just in time for this week’s National Safe Boating Week, the club’s loaner life jacket trees in Watkins Glen are ready for folks who need one or more as they kayak, canoe or cruise Seneca.
The life jacket trees are located at the Clute Park kayak and canoe launch at the southeast end of the lake and at the Clute Park boat launch on the canal. Life jackets of all sizes may be borrowed and returned at no cost. The club started the project in 2019.
Boating safety, supported and enhanced with classes and services such as loaning life jackets, is the core of the organization’s mission, Kris West, ABC-FLX commander, said.
“Whether you’re casting a line or cruising the beautiful waters of the Finger Lakes, a life jacket is your best catch of the day. Wear it, make fun memories and live to tell the tale,” said West, who lives in Painted Post and sails a 29-foot Hunter sloop.
The boating club, based in Watkins Glen, welcomes sailors, power boaters, kayakers and anyone simply interested in experiences on the water. Education on how to have fun and be safe is important, West said.
A wide variety of classes is offered in person, on the water and online. Among the club’s most popular classes is America’s Boating Course, which, with successful completion, provides a safe boating certificate that meets New York State requirements. This eight-hour course is regularly offered in person at locations around Seneca Lake.
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