CT Legislature Adopts 'Emily's Law' for Teen Mariners

The Connecticut State House unanimously approved the adoption of ‘Emily’s Law,’ late Monday — a bill that will impose restrictions on young teen boaters.

The bill is named in the memory of Emily Fedorko, the Old Greenwich teen who was fatally injured last summer when she was struck by a boat propeller while tubing on Long Island Sound.

The bill, passed with a vote of 144-0, would prohibit young teenage boaters from towing water skiers or tubers, while requiring the training of all boaters in proper towing techniques.

Following the death of the 16-year-old Greenwich High School junior, l the Greenwich legislative delegation authored and introduced the bill that would establish a minimum age of 16 for towing any person by vessel and requiring the completion of a safe towing course prior to engaging in the activity.

Under current regulations, a 13-year-old with a Safe Boating Certificate is able to take a twin 350-horsepower engine boat out and tow water skiers and tubers. Officials have said there are greater risks for teens at the helm because of “a general lack of on-the-water experience for this age group is large.”

In February, Joseph and Pam Fedorko testified before the Connecticut Legislature’s Environment Committee in support of Emily’s bill.

“This is not reactive legislation, but responsible legislation,” said Rep. Mike Bocchino (R-150). “This legislation is a positive step forward to establishing safer waterways for all recreational boaters.”

State Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151) said, “The last thing we wanted was to have a bill put forth that had unintended consequences. However, this bill accomplishes the goals we set out to enact, namely extracting a positive, in this case boater safety and awareness, out of tragedy.” Camillo added, “Emily’s Law will leave a legacy of safety and awareness that will decrease the chances of this happening again.”

State Rep. Livvy Floren (R-149) said, “This bill is common sense legislation that not only adds no extra burden to our boaters, but adds another level of safety to water activity. Hopefully this will help prevent tragedies like this in the future.”

The bill was negotiated by a variety of parties, including the governor, the Marine Trades Association and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which would be required to develop the new regulations by Oct. 1. Violators could be penalized between $60 and $250.

The bill now awaits action by Gov. Dannel Malloy.

Other Patch stories:

• Thief Enters Greenwich Garage, Steals Car
• Greenwich Police Hire 4 New Recruits
• Greenwich Officials Say Good-Bye to Town Administrator

Photo: Emily Fedorko via Facebook.