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7/1/2022 - [VIDEO] Huntington Supervisor Smyth, Harbormaster, SCPD Announce July 4th Fireworks Boating Speed Zones, BWI Enforcement Halesite, NY – Supervisor Ed Smyth, the Huntington Harbormaster, and Town officials were joined by the SCPD Marine Bureau, County officials, the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs and Gina Lieneck to announce plans to increase enforcement against speeding, intoxicated and unsafe boaters during the 4th of July holiday weekend at Halesite Marina on Thursday, June 30. “We hope everyone has a fun and safe Independence Day but we will be enforcing our zero-tolerance policy against speeding and boating while intoxicated -- the Huntington Harbormaster and our bay constables will be patrolling alongside the Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau and you will be arrested if you are lucky enough not to experience the tragic consequences of irresponsible boating,” warned Supervisor Ed Smyth, who announced the temporary 5 MPH boating speed zones for July 4th fireworks, from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM on Monday, and cautioned residents and visitors to enjoy Huntington’s waters responsibly, offering safety tips for boaters, such as launching a vessel off a ramp with windows down and all passengers removed from the vehicle. Supervisor Smyth advised boaters to watch for kayakers and swimmers, also reminding kayakers to never launch off a north-facing beach in the afternoon, and offered spare lifejackets, available for free at the Harbormaster’s office at Halesite Marina, to any boater that does not have one. Joining Supervisor Smyth from the Town were Town Clerk Andrew Raia, Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman, Senior Harbormaster and Maritime Services Interim Director Fred Uvena, Deputy Director of Maritime Services Garrett Chelius, Huntington Bay Constables, Public Safety Director Joe Cirigliano and Public Safety Deputy Director Kevin McCormick. Senior Harbormaster Fred Uvena warned boat passengers to avoid boarding an overcrowded boat and advised boat captains to ensure their boat properly displays a capacity plate. He provided VHF Channel 16, where boaters can report emergencies and pump out service can be requested by calling VHF Channel 9. Sgt. Mike Gorey of the Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau warned boaters of the consequences of boating while intoxicated, stressing the importance of designating a sober boat operator, and he was joined by Marine Bureau Police Officers Keith Walters and Rob Reed. Also representing Suffolk County at the event were Comptroller John Kennedy and Legislator Stephanie Bontempi. Gina Lieneck, who turned her personal boating safety tragedy into advocacy, achieving the passage of Brianna’s Law, named for her daughter, who, at the age of 11 in 2005, lost her life to a speeding intoxicated boater, conveyed the severity of the tragic consequences of boating while intoxicated and encouraged boat captains and passengers to wear a life jacket. “Summer is the ideal time to experience Huntington's pristine waterways and we welcome you to enjoy all the fun that our great town had to offer. We ask only that you respect the power of "Mother Nature" and keep your family safe and secure while enjoying the beautiful sunshine on the water,” said Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo. “With boating season underway, we see an influx of activity on our waters. I'd like to thank our law enforcement officials and bay constables for patrolling our waters each and every day to keep us safe. Please keep your boat’s speed under 5 MPH before, during and after the July 4th fireworks so we can all celebrate Independence Day safely with our friends and family,” said Councilman Sal Ferro. Town Clerk Andrew Raia stated, “The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country’s founding, not a time to mourn the loss of a loved one. Please be careful and respectful on the water this Holiday weekend.” Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman said, “In an instant life threatening circumstances can occur on the water. For the safety of yourself and others please prioritize safety while enjoying one of the great natural resources of Huntington – it’s waterways.” Jaqueline Martinez, representing Councilman Sal Ferro’s office, provided a Spanish language translation of boating safety tips offered earlier by Supervisor Smyth. Also in attendance were Commodore Ed Carr, Rear Commodore Dr. Janine Burns and Joe McMenamon of the Huntington Boat Council (formerly Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs), which launched Safe Boating Week after a tragedy, ten years ago on July 4th, in which three children died after the wake of a speeding boat destabilized the boat they were aboard. Every year on July 4th, the Town of Huntington Harbormaster sets temporary 5 MPH boating speed zones in Huntington waterways from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM. The Town implements these temporary speed zones due to the overwhelming number of boats in our waters – from 800 to 1,000 boats – for Fourth of July fireworks, celebrations and the danger that a wake from a speeding boat creates, potentially destabilizing a smaller or overcrowded boat. The Harbormaster’s office will be supporting the Suffolk County Marine Bureau, stepping up enforcement on speeding boats, intoxicated boating, and conducting boat stops to prevent unnecessary tragedies. Brianna's Law requires all power boaters to complete a New York State-approved boater safety course. The law is named after Gina Lieneck's daughter, Brianna, who lost her life at 11 years of age at the hands of a speeding and intoxicated boater in 2005. ###