The Central New York Boat Show is underway, and new this year is an interactive exhibit aimed at preparing inexperienced boaters for potential emergencies on the water. “Suddenly in Command” is an educational drill geared toward making passengers comfortable and ready to take command in case the captain is unable to.
Recreation Specialist with the New York Sea Grant Dave White says the program will teach participants how to gain control of the boat and how to communicate using marine radio, distress flags, and flares when there is no cell phone service.
White says the training gives participants the opportunity to learn boating terminology, equipment and operations without having to enroll in a boating class. Boat Show Manger Drew Wickham says the experience is a great addition to the usual array of fishing boats, personal watercraft, small runabouts, cruisers, and pontoon boats.
"The pontoon market has surged in the last ten years, and I think that's partly because the boomers who are the biggest group coming through [the show], they all had powerboats 20 years ago, and now they're ready to relax a little bit and have their friends out on the board, and they're looking for a little slower pace."
The Central New York Boat Show is billed as the largest and oldest in the state. It runs through Sunday at the State Fairgrounds. More information is at cnyboatshow.com
