Halesite – Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Deputy Supervisor Councilman Ed Smyth, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman and Senior Harbormaster Fred Uvena, also Interim Director of Maritime Services, were joined by State Senator Jim Gaughran, Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau Police Officers Erik Johnson and Joseph Lanzisera, and boating safety advocate Gina Lieneck at Halesite Marina on June 29 to announce plans to increase enforcement against speeding, intoxicated and unsafe boaters during the 4th of July holiday weekend.
This July 4th weekend, the Huntington Harbormaster’s office will be out on the waters supporting the Suffolk County Marine Bureau cracking down on BWI/intoxicated boaters, speeding on the waterways, and conducting boat stops to prevent unnecessary tragedy as they do all season long. The enforcement measures in place this Fourth of July will ensure everyone can safely enjoy local fireworks displays off Huntington’s beautiful shores.
5MPH BOATING SPEED ZONES ON JULY 4TH
Every year on July 4th, the Town of Huntington Harbormaster sets temporary 5 MPH boating speed zones from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM in the areas indicated on the Town of Huntington Harbormaster July 4th 5 MPH Boating Speed Zone map. The Town implements these temporary speed zones due to the overwhelming number of boats in Huntington waters – from 800 to 1,000 boats – for Fourth of July fireworks, celebrations and the danger that a wake from a speeding boat creates, potentially destabilizing a smaller or overcrowded boat.
The map also lists eight boating emergency pickup locations:
- Powles Dock
- Lloyd Neck Bath Club
- Huntington Town Dock
- Huntington Bay Club
- Huntington Beach Community Association Dock
- Northport Yacht Club
- Soundview Boat Ramp
- Eaton's Neck Coast Guard Station
A speeding boat resulted in a local boating tragedy in 2012, taking the lives of three children. This tragic accident is the reason that Huntington’s Boating Safety Week was formed in 2013, held every year at the beginning of each boating season.
BOATING SAFETY
Whether you are on a large boat or a small boat – even a kayak – you must be prepared for the unexpected. When you enter Huntington’s waterways, be prepared:
- Have your lifejackets, flares, and documentation on board; the Harbormaster’s Office at 53 N. New York Avenue, Halesite has spare lifejackets available – call (631) 351-3255.
- Do not overcrowd your boat – and do not get on a boat you suspect is overcrowded.
- Boaters – be aware of kayakers, swimmers and others in the water.
- There is no excuse for drinking and boating; alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
- Have aspirin and generic Benadryl in your first aid kit on your boat.
- Call Emergency VHS Channel 16 for boating emergencies, and VHC Channel 9 for pump out service, as well as VHC Channel 72 for general emergencies.
BRIANNA’S LAW
Brianna's Law requires all power boaters to complete a New York State-approved boater safety course. The law is named after Gina Lieneck's daughter, Brianna, who lost her life at 11 years of age at the hands of a speeding and intoxicated boater in 2005.
VIDEO: https://huntingtonny.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=2575
In the photo (l-r): SCPD Marine Bureau Police Officer Joseph Lanzisera; SCPD Marine Bureau Police Officer Erik Johnson; Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman; State Senator Jim Gaughran; Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci; Gina Lieneck; Deputy Supervisor Councilman Ed Smyth; Councilwoman Joan Cergol; Senior Harbormaster and Interim Director of Maritime Services Fred Uvena.
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