Huntington to Launch Safe Boating Week

With boating season on the horizon, Huntington will soon be the scene of numerous  activities designed to head off tragedy and make the waters safer.

While the official Safe Boating Week runs from May 18-24, classes kick off May 13. On the full agenda is a class for certification under a new Suffolk County boating law, passed in response to the drowning of three children in Oyster Bay last summer.

Also scheduled of the new program are classes on sailing for non-sailors, how to handle a sudden, on-board emergency, paddle sports, marine radio use and more.Classes are scheduled at various sites, including the YMCA and the Huntington Fire Department.

 "It's going to be a very unifying event for the boating community," said Jackie Martin, commodore of the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht & Boating Clubs.

  "It's an opportunity to obtain knowledge through these courses that normally isn’t as readily available. And they will get a chance to network with other boaters."

Other events include courtesy vessel safety inspections, which will be conducted at sites in Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington, Centerport and Northport, and promotion of life jacket “wear it” campaign in schools.

A nautical flea market is set for May 19 at Mill Dam Park, with gear such as fishing tackle, dock boxes, boat shoes, nautical art & jewelry, motors, scuba gear and antiques on sale.

The Greater Huntington Council of Yacht & Boating Clubs, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Neptune Sail and Power Squadron and the Town of Huntington are sponsoring the program.