Oswego County Marina Businesses Face New Reality

by Contributor | May 21, 2020 1:49 pm

By: Michael Johnson

OSWEGO COUNTY – The recreational boating industry is a vital part of Oswego County’s economy, and being a seasonal activity, any interruption of the already brief boating season can pose a challenge to local businesspeople.

The arrival of the coronavirus pandemic and the temporary closure of marinas and boat launches was and still is an area of concern for those in the boating business.

Before the pandemic cast its shadow over the recreation economy, the beginning of the local boating season was subject to the whims of weather, with a cold spring not unlike the type we have been experiencing this year often delaying the start. The restrictions on social activity now in place will have an effect on the way people enjoy their time on the water.

At Mike’s Marina East and West, located on the Little Salmon River in the Town of Mexico, owners Mike and Beth D’Alonzo depend on many out of state customers to keep their business moving forward.

“Our boaters from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and other states are hesitant to come here while the restrictions on travel are in place,” Beth D’Alonzo said. 

Staff at Mike’s are cleaning and sanitizing equipment and surfaces several times a day.

”Having this coronavirus challenge after two years of flooding due to the high Lake Ontario levels has made for a difficult business climate, and I foresee a long fight ahead to keep the business growing,” Beth D’Alonzo said.

According to the Lake Ontario Charter Boat association Facebook page, the charter fishing business was allowed to re-open on May 13, but strict guidelines must be met, including the wearing of face masks by all onboard and cleaning and disinfection of all fishing equipment that could be shared on the boats. 

Bruce Walker, owner of Reiter’s Marina on North Sandy Pond, has been dedicating more time to cleaning and disinfecting the store and boats that have been serviced.

“I am allowing one customer into the building at a time, and making sure that all of our service work is followed by proper cleaning before delivery,” Walker said.

Reiter’s Marina is also encouraging social distancing on the docks, asking boaters to wait until the dock is clear of others before walking out, and asking people to not share the use of dock lines.

“We are looking at all of our services as taking a little more time, but well worth it in terms of helping our valued customers stay safe and healthy,” Walker said.

As the summer approaches, more and more boating enthusiasts will be feeling the need to spend time on the water, and hopefully the coronavirus pandemic will be presenting a greatly reduced threat to public health.

Until then, Oswego County’s marine businesses will be keeping a watchful eye on the state’s guidelines and offering their customers an enjoyable but safe experience on Lake Ontario and many of the area’s other abundant waterways.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego-county-marina-businesses-face-new-reality/

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