May 22nd, 2024 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and members of the Islip Town Board were joined by Town, County and local officials at the Town's Boater Safety Press Conference at the Bay Shore Marina. The annual event held before the extended Memorial Day holiday weekend, is designed to underscore and emphasize the importance of safe boating and swimming practices as residents begin to prepare their boats, pools and personal watercraft for a summer of recreation on the water.

“Overwhelmingly, the majority of accidents are the result of collisions, typically, with other recreational boats. In nearly all cases, death or serious injury occurred when individuals were separated from their vessel and were thrown or landed in the water,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

Supervisor Carpenter also emphasized the importance of wearing a lifejacket, stating, “All passengers are required to wear a lifejacket. Nearly half of all reported boating deaths could have been avoided if the victim had only been wearing a lifejacket."

In an effort to prevent boating accidents and create an awareness on the water, in 2020 New York State passed Brianna's Law, requiring all operators of a motorized watercraft to complete a state-approved boating safety course by the year 2025. Residents can fulfill the New York State requirement for Safe Boater Certification at the Town of Islip Boater Safety Course. The next and final session before the Summer will be held Saturday, June 8th. The certification is lifelong. To register, or for more information visit www.islipny.gov or call the Town of Islip Office of Cultural Affairs at 631-224-5430.

Officials also shared additional safety tips to minimize the risk of a shark encounter including:

• Avoid areas with schools of splashing fish or diving seabirds
• Avoid murky water
• Swim, paddle, or surf in groups
• Avoid areas with seals
• Swim where your feet can touch the bottom
• Follow lifeguard instructions

Dan Walsh, Town of Islip Senior Chief shared important pool safety tips:

• Do not leave a child unattended while in the pool area
• Remove all toys from the pool area when not in use
• Learn to swim, children can begin swimming lessons as early as 6 months old
• Enroll in a CPR class or know basic life-saving tools in the event of an emergency
• Create guidelines with your children so they know their boundaries in the pool area

"The safety of our residents is our top priority," stated Supervisor Carpenter. "Whether you're enjoying a day on the boat, taking a dip in the pool, or swimming at one of our beautiful beaches, we want everyone to have a fun and memorable experience. By following simple guidelines we can ensure that our summer activities remain enjoyable and accident-free for all."

Joining Supervisor Carpenter were members of the Islip Councilmen, Jorge Guadrón, John M. Lorenzo, and Michael McElwee; Town of Islip Public Safety Commissioner Tony Prudenti; Town of Islip Parks and DPW Commissioner, Tom Owens; Town of Islip Senior Chief Lifeguard, Dan Walsh; Merry Camhi, Director, New York Seascape; Dave Anderson, General Manager of Fire Island Ferries; representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau; and Town of Islip Harbormasters and Park Rangers.