With boating season already underway, it's never too early to think about safety on the water. That's the focus of the 2nd Annual Huntington Safe Boating Week, which kicks off Saturday, May 17, with a nautical market and fair at Mill Dam Park at Huntington Harbor.
“Our boating community wants to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and fun season on the water,” said Jackie Martin, the commodore of Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs.
“Our goal is to have an accident-free boating season," she added. "It’s important that everyone—from long-time boaters to those for whom this is their first boating season—are aware of and follow all safe boating procedures and regulations—especially the new boating regulations.”
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New state regulation require that anyone operating a boat get a license on their 18th birthday. Those older than 18 are exempt.
Martins said there are 71,000 registered recreational boats in Suffolk and nearly 33,000 in Nassau.
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"It’s imperative that all Long Island boaters operate their craft knowledgeably and safely in such busy waters, and that they are prepared for the unexpected," she pointed out.
The Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs organized the event and is partnering with the Town of Huntington, the US Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Neptune Sail and Power Squadron.
Huntington’s 2014 Safe Boating Week begins May 17 and extends through May 22.
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