For many, hot and sunny weather means time to get out on the water. But while everyone has fun in the sun on their mind, safety also needs to be a priority.

With more than 100 deaths in the past five years, a piece of legislation is waiting for the governor’s signature that would require anyone wanting to operate a boat to go through a boating safety course.

Sponsors of the bill say requiring the course would cut down on the number of accidents and in the long run, the number of fatalities and injuries.

Senator David Carlucci says New York is behind other northeast states when it comes to just having a basic safety course.

“We’re not trying to step on anybody’s fun. We want people to enjoy the beautiful waterways of New York State, particularly the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound. What we need to do is keep people safe when they are on those waterways,” said Senator Carlucci.

As part of the legislation, anyone born after May 1st of 1996 would be required to take a basic safety course before obtaining their boating license and operating a boat.

(Source: YNN)