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Health & Fitness

Reflect, Rejoice and Respect

          On this Independence Day, I hope we all take some time to reflect on this country’s 237 years of freedom and how much, given what is happening elsewhere in the world, we should appreciate the ability to choose how we live our lives and to do so in peace.

             We should thank those in our military who have worked and continue to work, both here and abroad, to uphold all that we cherish and to keep us safe.

               Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little celebration, spending the day in a backyard barbecue with family and friends and taking part in our favorite recreational activity. For some people, that activity combines boating with viewing a July 4 fireworks display, and we all remember with considerable sadness the tragedy last July 4 that took the lives of three children when the boat they were in capsized as it was leaving the fireworks display in Oyster Bay and returning to Huntington.

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             With the cancellation of that Oyster Bay show, we expect more boaters to gravitate to the annual Asharoken fireworks display, and I want to make you aware of some proactive measures the Town is taking to help prevent an incident such as that in Huntington waters.

             We are implementing a 5 mph speed limit from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in all of Northport Bay and Huntington Bay south from East Beach to West Beach, as well as in Long Island Sound from the easternmost section of the Northport Power Plant to the westernmost end of the causeway on Asharoken Avenue. We are also stepping up patrols of the area are working with the Suffolk County Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Village of Northport harbormaster and police department, the Asharoken police department and the Huntington, Northport and Centerport Fire Departments to coordinate patrols, the establishment of a security zone around the barge shooting the fireworks and the emergency response. As has been done in the past, law enforcement boats will be strategically located throughout the area the help ensure an orderly dispersal after the event.

Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

             We have also added a new piece of equipment, a Rapid Diver Entry System, and formed an Emergency Response Dive Team to speed the search for and rescue of victims of water mishaps. Five of our harbormaster’s office personnel were trained recently in how to use the systems, which will be especially useful in situations in which quick extrication will save lives.

             But in addition to what the Town can do and is doing, there is no substitute for boaters acting safely and responsibly. Don’t operate a boat recklessly or under the influence of alcohol, don’t speed and do respect others and their rights as boaters.

             Freedom is a privilege, but it is also a responsibility, to ensure that others enjoy the same freedom to do what they want as we do. I hope you have an enjoyable, healthy and safe 4th of July.

  

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