New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10106

Introduced
2/2/26  

Caption

Establishes that when mechanically propelled vessels meet swimmers, kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddleboards, crew racing shells or other nonmotorized boats or floatation devices proceeding in such direction as to involve risk of collision, the swimmer, kayak, canoe, row boat, paddleboard, crew-racing shell or other nonmotorized boat or floatation device shall have the right of way.

Impact

If enacted, A10106 would significantly influence boating regulations and safety measures in New York. By prioritizing the safety of nonmotorized vessels, the bill could lead to a decrease in accidents and injuries related to water sports and recreational boating. The rules stipulated in the bill would necessitate a cultural shift among boat operators to maintain a vigilant lookout for nonmotorized craft, promoting a greater sense of awareness and responsibility on the waterways.

Summary

Bill A10106 seeks to amend New York's Navigation Law to establish clear right of way rules for nonmotorized vessels such as swimmers, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, row boats, and crew racing shells when they are on a collision course with mechanically propelled vessels. The proposed legislation emphasizes the safety of nonmotorized users of waterways, who are often more vulnerable in encounters with larger, faster vessels. Under this bill, these nonmotorized users would have the unequivocal right of way, which is a pivotal shift aimed at enhancing their safety during water activities.

Contention

While proponents of A10106 argue that this legislation is a necessary step towards improving waterway safety, there may be points of contention regarding its practical implementation. Some stakeholders may express concerns about how the proposed right of way rules would be communicated and enforced, particularly in high-traffic areas. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the potential need for public education campaigns to ensure that both motorized and nonmotorized voters are aware of and adhere to these new regulations.

Companion Bills

NY S09829

Same As Establishes that when mechanically propelled vessels meet swimmers, kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddleboards, crew racing shells or other nonmotorized boats or floatation devices proceeding in such direction as to involve risk of collision, the swimmer, kayak, canoe, row boat, paddleboard, crew-racing shell or other nonmotorized boat or floatation device shall have the right of way.

Previously Filed As

NY S09829

Establishes that when mechanically propelled vessels meet swimmers, kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddleboards, crew racing shells or other nonmotorized boats or floatation devices proceeding in such direction as to involve risk of collision, the swimmer, kayak, canoe, row boat, paddleboard, crew-racing shell or other nonmotorized boat or floatation device shall have the right of way.

NY SB2003

Boats and other vessels; update numbering requirements for compliance with federal regulations.

NY HB1077

Boating issues.

NY HB1258

Boats and other vessels; update numbering requirements for compliance with federal regulations.

NY S0174

Personal Floatation Device

NY S2657

JOINT RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO STUDY AND REGULATE THE IMPACT OF WAKE BOATS ON RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC WATERWAYS (Urges DEM to study and regulate the impact of wake boats on Rhode Island public waterways.)

NY HB203

Relative to coast guard approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters.

NY SB199

Individuals With Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Boating Fund - Eligible Companions

NY H7992

JOINT RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO STUDY AND REGULATE THE IMPACT OF WAKE BOATS ON RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC WATERWAYS (Urging the Rhode Island department of environmental management to study and regulate the impact of wake boats on Rhode Island public waters.)

NY H1173

Boating-restricted Areas

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.