A Call to Require an Approved Boater Safety Course

September 23, 2010

New York State offers a wide variety of spectacular waterways. For families and outdoor enthusiasts, it's a virtual paradise; however, in recent times New Yorkers have witnessed tragedy on the waters, and the incidents are causing some citizens to call for more stringent boater safety regulations.

While the holidays and beautiful weekend weather trigger spikes in boating traffic, they also trigger heightened concern for boater safety. In July 2010, during the Independence Day holiday weekend, the New York Harbor was the scene of a tragic accident. Eight people, including three children, were aboard when a Pro-line fishing boat crashed into a Bayliner speedboat. The accident caused the wrongful death of one person and injured two others. In early August, another tragic accident occurred in New York's Hudson Bay. This accident involved a powerboat and a moored sailboat. On August 14, 2010, another man was killed in a boat accident, involving inexperienced boaters, as a result of falling in the water and being hit by a propeller.

In 2006, New York State passed new boater laws, which require that boats not be operated by anyone under the age of 14 and that all boaters obtain boater safety certificates. These measures contributed to a reduction in boating accidents. However, more recent boat accidents and national statistics indicate more measures need to be considered.

The United States Coast Guard reports that more than half of boating-related fatalities involve capsizing or falling overboard. Nearly 70% of the fatalities are linked to drowning. Alcohol use is a contributing factor in many boat accidents and collisions are the most common causes of accidents.

Many accidents occur as a result of negligence and can involve kayaks, small boats, cruisers, speedboats, navy vessels and sailboats. In response to the Hudson Bay accident, Westchester County Legislator Tom Abinanti called for the state legislature to enact tougher boat safety laws. Abinanti, who has advocated for tighter boating regulation for years, suggests that many of the New York waterway accidents could be prevented through adequate education.

The recent New York boating accidents have heightened public concern. While investigations may reveal contributing factors, the real solution to this problem is strict compliance with New York's boating laws and adequate training of boaters and their passengers. If Abinanti's recommendations are followed, New York waterways can become safer.

Article provided by Perecman & Fanning PLLC
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