Huntington will again be reducing speed limits and stepping up patrols in Town waters July 4 to help boaters enjoy scheduled fireworks displays.
The Town is aware of three scheduled fireworks displays that might attract boaters to Town waters: the annual Asharoken village show; the one presented by the Dolan family in Cove Neck; and a smaller one presented by the Crescent Club in Huntington Bay.
As a result, a 5 MPH speed limit will be in effect from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in all of Northport Bay and Huntington Bay south from the line extending from Target Rock to Buoy One in Coast Guard Cove, as well as Long Island Sound from the easternmost section of the Northport Power Plant to the westernmost end of the causeway on Asharoken Avenue. This is a map showing the affected areas.
The Town also will step up patrols of the area and is working with the Suffolk County Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Village of Northport harbormaster and police department, the Asharoken police department and the Huntington, Northport, Centerport and Cold Spring Harbor Fire Departments to coordinate patrols, the establishment of a security zone around the barge shooting the Asharoken fireworks and the emergency response. As has been done in the past, law enforcement boats will be strategically located throughout the area the help ensure an orderly dispersal.
Additionally, while some Town facilities will remain open past sunset – Crab Meadow, West Neck/Quentin Sammis and Hobart Beaches and the Soundview Boat Ramp – after 5 p.m., entry will be limited to Town residents, on a space available basis. Once the parking lot at a particular location beach is full, no additional entry will be allowed and there is the possibility that police will restrict access on roads leading to the facilities.
“On both land and sea, we ask all residents to be respectful of others and to follow the rules for everybody’s safety,” Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said. “We hope that everyone will enjoy July 4 in a way that is safe for themselves, their families and their guests.”
This is the third year the Town has imposed the restrictions on July 4, spurred by a 2012 tragedy in which three children died off Oyster Bay Cove when the boat in which they were watching a fireworks show capsized as it was returning to Huntington. The Town has also worked with the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs to step up boater safety education and to encourage responsible boating.