Officials Urge Safe Boating Practices For Holiday Weekend

From the Town of Islip: Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter was joined by New York State Senator Phil Boyle, members of the Islip Town Board, Islip Town Harbor Patrol and Suffolk County Marine Bureau units, at a press conference today urging local boaters to exercise caution over Memorial Day Weekend, and throughout the summer months.

Local law enforcement agencies will be patrolling the Great South Bay, enforcing safety procedures, such as checking for adequate life vests onboard vehicles, and cracking down on boating while intoxicated (BWI) over the holiday weekend, the official kick-off to summer. “Our waterways are a treasure to Islip’s families and a major tourist attraction, but enjoying the Great South Bay includes a responsibility to keep others out of harm’s way,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

“Islip’s Harbor Police will be enforcing BWI laws and conducting safety checks, but ultimately it is up to the boaters to avert tragedy on the water,” she added. Senator Boyle is currently working with Gina Lieneck, mother of 11 year-old daughter Brianna Lieneck, who lost her life in a tragic boating accident in 2005. Together, they are working to pass a new law-Brianna’s Law- that would require a boating safety course for all boaters. The current law requires it for boaters born after May 1996, and for people on personal watercraft such as jet skis.

“We are blessed to live near the Great South Bay, and the many waterways here in the Town of Islip. However, as a Senator representing the residents living in our waterfront communities, I have an obligation to ensure that boaters are taking the necessary precautions to stay safe,” said Senator Phil Boyle. “I’m asking everyone who gets behind the wheel of a boat or personal watercraft, to make sure to wear a life jacket and designate a driver if necessary,” the Senator added.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Islip