As Memorial Day Approaches, Islip Officials Promote Boat, Water Safety

ISLIP, NY — Long Island's boating season is officially here with Memorial Day kicking off months of fun on the water on Monday.

In the spirit of summer safety, Islip Town held its annual Boater Safety Press Conference at the Bay Shore Marina on Wednesday. Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, members of the Islip Town Board and local officials all attended to share the importance of safe boating and swimming practices in Suffolk County.

In an effort to enhance water safety and spread awareness, New York State passed Brianna's Law in 2020, which requires anyone operating a motorized watercraft to complete a state-approved boating safety course by 2025.

“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,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter also stressed the importance of lifejackets and that the law requires all passengers on a boat to wear one.

"Nearly half of all reported boating deaths could have been avoided if the victim had only been wearing a lifejacket," she said.

Officials shared additional safety tips for water goers to keep in mind whether in a pool, on the bay or in the ocean:

• 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

Supervisor Carpenter was joined by 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 FireIsland Ferries; representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau; and Town of Islip Harbormasters and Park Rangers.

Suffolk County residents interested in earning Safe Boater Certification may register at islipny.gov or by calling the Town of Islip Office of Cultural Affairs at 631-224-5430.

The next and final session will be held on Saturday, June 8. The certification is lifelong.