Have fun but do it safely, cops advise boaters

Local law enforcement authorities are advising recreational sailors heading into area waters at the start of the boating season this Memorial Day weekend to enjoy the seas but to be careful.

"Have fun - but be safe," said Nassau County Police Marine Bureau Officer Thomas Bogsted, adding Nassau has 39,000 boats registered at docks on both shores, and Suffolk has about 20,000.

He also warned that police officers will be out patrolling.

"We're going to be ensuring that everybody is operating safely and we want to make sure boaters enjoy themselves but they are also aware we will be out there and not to be drinking and operating a vessel," Bogsted said.

Nassau and Suffolk police asked boaters to be careful this weekend. Their advisories follow a boating safety awareness event Tuesday in New Haven, Conn., by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Coast Guard officials said May 16-22 was National Safe Boating Week.

"Knowing your vessel, the rules of the road and how to stay safe on the water is the first step to safe and smart boating for every season," said Daniel Ronan, Coast Guard captain of the Port of Long Island Sound.

Among precautions officials advised boaters to take are making sure they have appropriate equipment on board, that their vessels are seaworthy and have flotation devices for each person on board, and ensuring that anchors and anchor lines are sound.

Bogsted said Nassau police give free inspections of pleasure crafts. He also advised boaters to check that electronic equipment, such as a radio, is functioning properly, and to carry a cell phone in case of emergencies.

Coast Guard officials said boaters should take a safe-boating course, maintain a prudent speed and respect others on the water, help fellow boaters in distress, and file a float plan to tell officials where they will be boating.

By ZACHARY R. DOWDY
Posted Saturday, May 23, 2009

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