‘Our Lives Changed In A Matter Of Seconds’: After Daughter’s Death, LI Mom Urges Boating Safety

HUNTINGTON, NY — Nearly two decades after a boating crash killed her 11-year-old daughter, boating safety advocate Gina Lieneck of Deer Park stood before Huntington officials Thursday with a warning she says every boater needs to hear before heading onto the water this summer.

The Town of Huntington and the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs launched Safe Boating Week at the Ketewomoke Yacht Club, urging residents to prioritize education, sobriety and responsibility ahead of the busy summer boating season. The Town of Huntington has approximately 62 miles of waterfront.

"It is one of the crown jewels of Huntington that we're very proud of, and we want to make sure that it is kept beautiful and, most importantly, kept safe," Town Supervisor Ed Smyth said.

In 2012, an overcrowded boating tragedy killed three children in Huntington waters. Jackie Martin of the Greater Huntington Council of Yachting and Boating Clubs said the boating council created Safe Boating Week after the 2012 tragedy, specifically to prevent future accidents through education and outreach.

“It was our idea to start this week to further educate people to prevent tragic accidents or any kind of accidents on the waterway,” Martin said. “And we've been doing this for the last 13 years.”

In August 2005, Lieneck’s daughter Brianna was killed after another boat crashed into the family’s vessel near Bay Shore Marina. The impact left Gina severely injured, nearly severing her arm, while her husband Frank suffered catastrophic facial fractures and brain injuries.

“There were three people on the other boat,” Lieneck said to Patch. “And they came up and over the top of my boat, collapsed on my daughter. My arm was severed to the bone. My husband, he was worse. He broke every bone in his face, titanium. They had to do brain surgery.”

Lieneck said the trauma left her too fearful to ever return to boating herself, but she continues speaking publicly because she hopes other families can avoid a similar tragedy.

“Nobody realizes the dangers that are out there,” Lieneck said. “My family witnessed firsthand the danger. We were out in the bay. We got hit. There’s no lights, nobody around. Our lives changed in a matter of seconds.”

Lieneck, whose advocacy helped lead to Brianna’s Law, which took full effect statewide in January 2025 and requires operators of motorized boats in New York to complete a boating safety course and carry certification while operating a vessel.

“Boating Safety Training is mandatory,” Lieneck said. “Brianna’s Law will make sure that those who operate any kind of boat have the necessary training and experience and they are aware of the risk of proper protocol for handling their vessels.”

Officials highlighted upcoming events tied to Safe Boating Week, including free boating safety courses and Sunday’s Waterfront Festival at Mill Dam Park.

“We want everybody to come down and have a great time,” Smyth said, “but do it safely.”

Town maritime officials reviewed critical boating safety reminders ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the summer season.

“Drowning happens quickly, and it’s a silent death,” Director of Maritime Services for the Town of Huntington Garrett Chelius said, stressing the importance of assigning someone to watch swimmers in the water.

Officials said maritime patrols will be active seven days a week throughout the summer in partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau and local agencies.

“This weekend and throughout the summer, we'll be out there on patrols every single day, seven days a week, in conjunction with the other agencies,” Deputy Director of Maritime Services for the Town of Huntington Jeff Kropp said. “So please, if you drink out there, drink responsibly and have somebody else drive if you wish.”

Lieneck said boating while intoxicated is one of the most dangerous and preventable risks facing boaters today, and said many people underestimate how quickly alcohol impairs judgment while boating.

“Boating while intoxicated is a serious illegal offense, often causing up to 70 percent of water recreational accidents and deaths,” she said. “Designate a sober operator. If alcohol is part of your plans, please ensure someone remains sober to operate the vessel.”

Lieneck is currently pushing for additional legislation which would suspend a person’s driver’s license if they are convicted of boating while intoxicated, noting the proposal has repeatedly passed the State Senate but has not yet cleared the State Assembly.

“I do this in memory of my daughter, Brianna’s legacy,” she said.