Halesite – Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci announced the Huntington Harbormaster and Bay Constables will be enforcing safe boating, temporary 5 MPH boating speed zones during the Huntington Lighthouse MusicFest, and encouraging use of VHF Channel 9 for pump out service to keep Huntington waters clean over the Labor Day weekend.
“Stay safe this Labor Day weekend and help keep our waterways clean,” said Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci. “Please adhere to the 5 MPH boating speed zones in place for the Lighthouse MusicFest – you are responsible for the wake you create.”
This Labor Day 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 Labor Day weekend will ensure everyone can safely enjoy Huntington’s waterways and the Huntington Lighthouse Music Fest, scheduled for September 4 (rain date September 5).
5 MPH BOATING SPEED ZONES ON SEPTEMBER 4
Call Emergency VHF Channel 16 for boating emergencies.
The Town of Huntington Harbormaster will be enforcing a temporary 5 MPH boating speed zone from 8 AM to 10 PM in the areas indicated on the Town of Huntington Harbormaster Lighthouse MusicFest 5 MPH Boating Speed Zone map. The Town is implementing this temporary speed zone due to the overwhelming number of boats – nearly 1,000 boats – in Huntington waters expected for the Lighthouse MusicFest 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
USE VHF 9 PUMP-OUT SERVICE TO KEEP HUNTINGTON WATERS CLEAN
The Town of Huntington Harbormaster will have two pump-out boats in service for the four-day Labor Day weekend: Friday, September 3, 4PM-8PM and Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6, 8AM-8PM. Call VHF Channel 9 for pump-out service. In addition, four pump-out facilities will be open for service at:
- Gold Star Battalion Beach Dock, West Shore Road, Huntington
- Halesite Marina, 53 N. New York Avenue, Halesite
- Mill Dam Marina, Mill Dam Road, Halesite
- Town Dock (at Harbor Club, 95 New York Avenue, Halesite)
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:
- Call Emergency VHF Channel 16 for boating emergencies, and VHF Channel 9 for pump out service.
- 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.
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