July 29th, 2020 – Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Babylon Town and Village officials held a joint press conference Wednesday, calling attention to the dangers caused by the recent influx of jet skis (PWC) and inexperienced boat operators on the Great South Bay and surrounding waters.
Citing a recent fatal boating accident that claimed the life of a 24 year-old Lindenhurst resident, a jet ski accident that resulted in two deaths in the Bronx, and the rescue of 6 passengers by Fire Island Ferry staff from a capsized motorboat off of the shores of Fire Island Sunday evening, the panel called for the public’s awareness of the newly enacted Brianna’s Law, urging operators of motorboats and personal water craft to obtain a boating safety certificate. COVID-19 has prompted an increase in sales of recreational boats, jet skis, paddleboards and backyard pools, and has resulted in increased safety concerns among local officials.
“We kicked off the summer season on Memorial Day as we do every year, encouraging people to be safe out on the waters, but this summer is worse than it’s ever been,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “Unfortunately, the majority of accidents are due to inexperience and alcohol. Do not get behind the wheel of a personal watercraft or boat…I don’t care what it is, unless you’ve had the requisite training. It’s only fair to yourself and everybody else that’s out there on the waters,” said the Supervisor.
Supervisor Carpenter was joined by Babylon Village Mayor, Ralph Scordino; Town of Babylon Councilmen, Terence McSweeney and DuWayne Gregory, and General Manager, Director of Operations, Fire Island Ferries, Dave Anderson.
“It’s just like riding a car,” said Babylon Village Mayor, Ralph Scordino. “Just because you’re out in the open, it doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. Everyone who has a boat, a personal watercraft, should be taking the Coast Guard course for boating,” said Mayor Scordino.
“The Town of Babylon is known to have a great water-friendly community. We grew up on the beaches, in the bay, or by the pool. On a normal summer weekend, you can see Hemlock packed with people enjoying their boats and the bay…or children running around the backyard pool, playing with their floaties,” said Babylon Town Councilman, Terence McSweeney. “Not only do you have to keep an eye out when on the water, but also in your backyards. If you are lucky enough to have a pool and have children, you must be advised to know that drowning is a silent event! Don’t assume you will hear a child who is in trouble in the water. Parents must closely supervise their children around water, and know how to perform CPR. Nine out of 10 drowning deaths happen when a caregiver is supervising, but not paying attention. Assign or designate a water watcher,” said Councilman McSweeney.
“We know that people are anxious and itching to get out to enjoy the waterways and pools. We should be cautious and not careless. We can’t let our guard down,” said Babylon Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory.
“We encourage people to use the waterway,” said Dave Anderson, General Manager, Director of Operations, Fire Island Ferries. “We want you to be responsible. Because if everybody’s responsible, the death rate will plummet, and that’s where we would like to be,” he said.
Residents are also urged to make sure they are aware of all necessary requirements covering the installation of backyard pools. This information can be accessed on the Town of Islip website: CLICK HERE, and on the Town of Babylon’s website: www.townofbabylon.com.
“When a boating or pool accident happens it’s so unfortunate, but if it was avoidable and happened due to negligence on any level, it’s horrific and unacceptable. Let’s all be safe,” said Supervisor Carpenter.
