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ECSO Marine Unit issues 22 warnings to kayakers

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The Erie County Sheriffs Department Marine Unit issued twenty-two separate warnings to kayakers Tuesday night out on the Buffalo River near Canalside for not having proper lighting on a small paddle craft. 

"It is great to see the explosion of kayakers and other craft on the waterways but these individuals need to be aware that the New York State Navigational laws apply to them as well," Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard said in a statement. New York State Navigational laws require that kayaks and small paddle crafts be equipped with lights. 

This comes at a time where there is an increase in kayak on waterways across Western New York. Some kayakers are not following basic boating safety and ignoring rules of the water. 

The Marine Unit will start issuing summonses to individuals out on the water in a small paddle craft for not having the required equipment starting July.

Sheriff Howard encourages kayakers to take a free educational online Paddle Safety Course at www.paddlecourse.com