Town of Hempstead to Increase BWI Patrols For Memorial Day Weekend

POINT LOOKOUT, NY - Town of Hempstead officials recently announced that the Town will be increasing BWI (boating while intoxicated) patrols for the summer starting Memorial Day weekend.

Supervisor Anthony J. Santino, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney unveiled the public safety initiative during a press conference at Point Lookout’s West Marina on Monday, and were joined by members of the town’s Bay Constables.

Local Bay Constables will be patrolling the waterways within the Town, enforcing navigation, conservation and marine safety laws and ordinances.

In addition, they will be looking out for boaters who are operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and will be on especially high alert during the Memorial Day Weekend.

“While we encourage local boaters to spend Memorial Day Weekend, the 4th of July and the entire summer season sailing the town’s beautiful waterways, one of the Town of Hempstead’s top priorities is to protect neighbors from the dangers of B.W.I.,” Santino said. “The town’s Bay Constables will be out in force this summer, and intoxicated boaters will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Drinking alcohol on the water can cause in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 21 percent of deaths, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division.

In 2014, over 4,000 boating accidents involved 610 deaths in the U.S., according to the Coast Guard.

"The motion of the boat, vibration of the engine and elements such as sun and wind can accelerate the impairment of a boat operator, and have a greater impact on the operator’s ability to control his/her vessel," the Town said in a press release.

Even when alcohol is not involved, boating can still be dangerous if safety is not made a top priority.

Officals also offered up some important boater safety tips, which include:

• familiarizing yourself with local boating laws and regulations
• wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
• having a radio on board, making a “float plan” to let another person know where you will be sailing and for how long.

“If you operate a boat under the influence of alcohol, you will be caught and you will be arrested,” Santino said. “By following the law, making safety a priority and using a common-sense approach to boating, we can all enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer on Town of Hempstead waterways.”