March 18. The Joshua Murray Boating, Safety, Education and Awareness Center is expected to open at Blythe Landing in May with water safety education programs for the public. It will also be a training center prototype for water safety experts statewide.

“This space, inspired by our community, aims to educate and empower new and novice boaters to become safety-minded operators,” said Cornelius Police Sgt. George Brinzey, a veteran of the town’s lake patrol.

The center will have partnerships with law enforcement, US Coast Guard Auxillary and rescue personnel, together with other various stakeholders including, NC Wildlife Resources, Alcohol Beverage Control, National Safe Boating Council and more, according to Elise and Cade Redmond, of Float it Forward, a Cornelius-based non-profit devoted to water safety.

Brinzey said he anticipates wrapping up the center’s construction and upfitting by mid-April, with a special dedication ceremony planned for May 18th, coinciding with the start of boating safety week.

Josh Murray

The center is named for Joshua Murray, a Cornelius Police officer who died in 2021 after a medical event while he was off duty. The son of Andrew Murray, former DA of Mecklenburg County, Joshua was a passionate advocate for boating safety.

—A presentation will take place at tonight’s Town Board meeting.