In the wake of a summer with three fatal crashes where boats on Barnegat Bay hit navigational markers, the U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a survey of boaters about navigation on the bay.
The Coast Guard announced the survey in a notice to mariners released in September.
The survey is part of a Waterways Analysis and Management System review of Barnegat Inlet and Oyster Creek Channel, the Coast Guard said.
The review "focuses on the area's aids to navigation system, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, emergency response plans, routine and emergency communication capabilities, and future development projects," the Coast Guard said.
The review is looking at Barnegat Inlet and Oyster Creek Channel to include the entrance to Barnegat Inlet from Barnegat Inlet Outer Lighted Whistle Buoy BI (LLNR 25) to Barnegat Inlet Light BI (LLNR 35135).
Any interested organization, company, or person who wants to participate in a user survey should go to https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/5EmERcMvEJ.
Any questions can be directed to Sector Delaware Bay Waterways WAMS at SecdelbayWWM@uscg.mil. Deadline to submit comments is January 15, 2027.
Barnegat Bay saw three fatal boating crashes over the summer, killing four people. In all three crashes the boat operator was intoxicated and hit navigational buoys in the bay.
Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, of Barnegat, was charged Aug. 18 with death by vessel, a second-degree charge, and operating a vessel under the influence, in the May 25 crash that killed her 28-year-old son, Gunnar.
And Stephen C. Schneider, 64, was charged in the July 19 boating crash on Barnegat Bay not far from his Bayville home that killed his grandchildren, Mya and Sigmund Golabek. Authorities say he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Kevin M. Wells, 40, of Warren was charged in the July 27 crash that killed a Green Grove man. He returned to a Toms River lagoon home after hitting channel marker along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The survey can be found online.
Comments also can be emailed to LT. Hobbs at Hanna.D.Hobbs@uscg.mil or to SecdelbayWWM@uscg.mil
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