Town Tightens Boating Speeds for July 4

This article was written by Pam Robinson.

Boaters will face tighter speed limits and more patrols in town waters on July 4.

The Town of Huntington announced Friday that the restrictions were meant to improve safety around the fireworks show in Asharoken.

“With the cancellation of the Dolan fireworks show in Oyster Bay Cove, we expect an increased number of boats in our waters to view the fireworks Asharoken annually presents. We want boaters to enjoy the show, but we also want to do what we can to help boaters arrive, enjoy the show and leave safely,” Supervisor Frank Petrone said. 

A year ago, three children died after a cabin cruiser, loaded with passengers watching the Dolan show, sank in choppy waters in Oyster Bay as it prepared to return to Huntington.

The town plans 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.

The Town also will step up patrols of the area is 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. Law enforcement boats will be located throughout the area the help ensure an orderly dispersal after the event.

“We are all mindful of the tragedy in Oyster Bay last July 4, which is why the Town is taking these measures to help people enjoy the Asharoken display safely,” said Councilman Cuthbertson,  “We want to make the public aware of what the Town is doing and of the need for them to take basic precautions and understand how to act appropriately.”

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson sponsored a resolution last year authorizing the Town Harbormaster’s Office to establish 5 mph zones.

Councilwoman Susan Berland, who has been working with the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs to promote boating safety and to encourage responsible boat operation during events, said, “We want boaters to enjoy events such as this fireworks display, but to also understand they need to do it safely and responsibly.