The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the speed, operation, anchoring
and use of vessels and watercraft upon waters within or bounding the Village
of Saugerties to a distance of up to 1,500 feet from shore, and is adopted
pursuant to § 46-a of the State Navigation Law. This chapter shall
be known as the "Saugerties Watercraft Management Law."
This chapter shall, except when prohibited by the laws of the United
States, apply to all waters and waterways within the jurisdiction of the Village
of Saugerties, including, but not limited to, the Lower Esopus Creek, the
Upper Esopus Creek and the Hudson River bordering Village shores in accordance
with § 46-a of the New York State Navigation Law.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
BOAT or VESSEL
Includes every description of watercraft or other contrivance capable
of being used as a means of transportation in the water.
ENFORCING AUTHORITY
Police, Sheriff, Constable, Harbor Master, or any police or peace
officer as that term is defined in the New York State Criminal Procedures
Law.
LOWER ESOPUS CREEK
That portion of the Esopus Creek between Cantine's Dam and the
Hudson River.
PERMANENTLY
Includes seasonal mooring or mooring for any period in excess of
two weeks in total season.
SEASON
The boating season is April through October.
UPPER ESOPUS CREEK
That portion of the Esopus Creek above Cantine's Dam and bordered
by the Village of Saugerties.
All applicable Rules of the Road and New York State Navigation Laws
apply to all vessels in the Esopus Creek. In addition, no person shall operate
any vessel at a speed in excess of five miles per hour in the Esopus Creek;
nor shall any person operate any vessel so as to cause a wake which disturbs
the reasonable comfort of another or endangers the property or well being
of another person. Any damage cause by a boat owner's wake is his/her
responsibility.
No boat or vessel shall cruise or be power operated within 100 feet
of any lifelines or bathing float, nor shall it be power operated within 100
feet of any public or private beach or designated area used for bathing or
swimming.
No person shall operate a boat in such a manner as to unjustifiably
or unnecessarily annoy or frighten or endanger the occupants of any other
boat or cause to frighten or endanger any waterfowl, including but not limited
to swans or ducks, or cause a dangerous wake when approaching or passing another
boat.
No person shall operate any vessel to tow a water skier, surfboard or
similar devices within the Village of Saugerties.
Any person, firm, association or corporation violating any of the provisions
of this chapter shall be guilty of an offense punishable by fine or imprisonment,
or both. However, for the purpose of confirming jurisdiction upon courts and
judicial officers, such violations shall be deemed to be a misdemeanor, and
for such purposes only all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall
apply to such violations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any person, firm,
association or corporation violating any provisions of this chapter shall
be subject to a penalty in a sum not less than $50 nor more than a $1,000
or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both for the first such violation
and in a sum not less than $100 nor more than a $1,000 or imprisonment not
exceeding 15 days, or both for any subsequent violation. A separate offense
shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs
or continues.