Halesite
– Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Councilwoman Joan Cergol and Councilman Ed
Smyth were joined by New York State Assemblyman Andrew Raia, Senior Harbormaster
Fred Uvena and members of the Greater Huntington Council of Yachting and
Boating Clubs and the Huntington Beach Community Association for a press
conference at the Town Harbormaster’s office to announce boating safety
enforcement plans, including temporary reduced speed zones during Fourth of
July fireworks displays, boating emergency pickup locations and increased
enforcement against unsafe and intoxicated boaters on Huntington’s waterways.
"This
past weekend, the Town Harbormaster’s office had over two dozen incidents –
between speeding summons and boat stops conducted, where they boarded vessels
with reasonable cause," said Supervisor Lupinacci. "Our Bay
Constables are out patrolling the waters from 7am until 2 o’clock in the
morning every day, on call 24-7, to ensure all boaters are boating safely and
following the rules in place to protect us all. There will be new enforcement
measures in place this Fourth of July so everyone can safely enjoy local
fireworks displays off Huntington’s beautiful shores."
Just
6 years ago in 2012, three local children died when the boat they were on
capsized in Oyster Bay after a Fourth of July fireworks display.
During
the hours between 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM on the evening of July 4, the Town is
implementing and enforcing temporary 5 MPH boating speed zones in the waters
off Huntington’s harbors and shores on the Long Island Sound, as indicated in
the attached map. The map also lists eight boating emergency pickup locations:
Powles Dock, Lloyd Neck Bath Club, Huntington Town Dock, Huntington Bay Club,
Huntington Beach Community Association Dock, Northport Yacht Club, Soundview
Boat Ramp, and the Eaton's Neck Coast Guard Station.
“Just
yesterday, Senior Harbormaster Fred Uvena, Deputy Director of Maritime Services
Dom Spada and our Bay Constables spent the majority of the day at West Beach on
Eaton’s Neck removing debris from Connecticut docks that had become dislodged,
floated across the Sound and became navigational hazards that could have caused
harm to life and property near our shorelines,” said the Supervisor.
The
debris cleanup operation is still underway, as Town boats were filled to
capacity Monday.
Councilwoman
Joan Cergol said, “Boating is an important part of Summer life on Long Island,
as are Fourth of July Fireworks shows. By taking some simple precautions, and
by operating boats responsibly, we hope that all of our residents will enjoy
the fireworks displays and get home safely.”
Councilman
Ed Smyth added: “Have a Happy and Safe July Fourth. Respect the waters and
please don’t be a statistic and example we use next year.”
"On
the Fourth of July tomorrow, there will be many, many boats on the water, so it
is imperative that everybody follows the rules of the water but not just on the
Fourth of July. Every day people should observe the rules of the water.
Everyone on the water should at some point get a Boating Safety Certificate and
together we can all work to make our waterways safe," said Assemblyman
Andrew Raia.
Senior
Harbormaster Fred Uvena offered words of caution: “To all boaters who will be
watching the fireworks: low tide will be at 10:53 PM on the evening of July
Fourth. Upon returning, please follow all navigational buoys and stay at a slow
speed while returning to your homeports.”
Recent
incidents in waters off the Town of Huntington underscore the importance of
boating safety and staying free of alcohol while operating a boat. It is
reported that 16% of boating accidents occur as a result of Boating While
Intoxicated (BWI) and over 20% of all boating fatalities are a result of
alcohol-impaired boaters.
In
the photo (l-r): Maritime Services Director Ed Carr; Assemblyman Andrew Raia;
Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci; Councilwoman Joan Cergol; Councilman Edmund J.M.
Smyth; Senior Harbormaster Fred Uvena. Map of 5MPH boating speed enforcement
zones and boating emergency pickup locations.
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