Authorities in Orange County are reminding the community of the importance of boating safety this National Boating Safety Week. 

The message comes just before Memorial Day, which the Orange County Sheriff’s Office says is the biggest boating holiday of the season.

Undersheriff Ken Jones says there were 118 people injured and 18 deaths statewide due to boating accidents in 2021. 

“As we head into the boating season, what we want to stress is that if you’re on boats and want to enjoy boats, make sure you have training and you’re not using any substances," said Jones. 

Jones says there were a total of 192 boating accidents in New York state last year.