Nassau County Police Ramps “Operation Safe Boating” Water Patrols NASSAU COUNTY, LONG BEACH, NY – August 12, 2020 – According to an online news report published on ABC7NY.com, the Nassau County Police Department has begun increasing water patrols due to the sharp rise in severe boating accidents. The recent boating accidents have resulted in serious personal […]
NASSAU COUNTY, LONG BEACH, NY – August 12, 2020 – According to an online news report published on ABC7NY.com, the Nassau County Police Department has begun increasing water patrols due to the sharp rise in severe boating accidents. The recent boating accidents have resulted in serious personal injuries and fatal injuries.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran explained that “Operation Safe Boating” was launched this past Friday. “Operation Safe Boating” increases police patrols in accident-prone areas, educates and enforces boat operators on New York State navigation laws, and boat safety.
Nassau County Executive Curran states that there have already been five deaths this year. Last year there was only one fatal boating accident. Nassau County Executive Curran believes the sharp increase in fatal boating accidents is due to “inexperienced boaters” who are “venturing out in unsafe conditions.”
Nassau County officials maintain that local residents are looking for ways to have fun while staying come to home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has caused local boat sales to rise. The accident rate appears to be caused by the increased numbers of boats on the waterways, and many operators are inexperienced boaters who do not know how to navigate rough waters.
According to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, the Nassau County Police has written hundreds of boat violation summonses this boating season, answers over 350 emergency calls, and has performed over 400 boat inspections. The Nassau County Police Department is increasing police presence to watch out for suspected drunk boat operators, speed limit infractions, and boat safety inspections. The Nassau County Police Commissioner stated that staying aware, observing speed limits, staying sober, and possessing the correct boating equipment will make a difference in terms of boating safety.