As Nassau Steps up Marine Patrols, There's A Push for New Safety Laws

As Nassau police increase marine safety patrols, the call continued Sunday in Oyster Bay for safety measures proposed after the fatal July 4 sinking of  the Kandi Won pleasure boat in 2012.

Nassau police are conducting increased safety patrols between now and Labor Day concentrating on boating while intoxicated enforcement and other violations of the New York’s boating navigation and vehicle and traffic laws, according to Nassau Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter.

“It is common sense that boats are powerful vehicles like cars that require training to operate and designs and equipment to enhance safety,” District Attorney Kathleen Rice said. “It’s also obvious that boating while intoxicated can have fatal consequences, but people still do it – just like DWIs."

"We need laws and practices that recognize the obvious and make boating as safe as possible," she added. "That is the responsibility of government and we call upon state and federal authorities and legislative leaders to help make it happen.”

Rice, a Democrat who is now running for Congress, had proposed new measures in a 2013 report on the sinking of the 34-foot Kandi Won in Oyster Bay. The sinking caused the deaths of 11-year-old Harlie Treanor, seven-year-old Victoria Gaines, and 12-year-old David Aureliano. Investigators later determined that the Kandi Won capsized and sank because it was overloaded and encountered a wave that destabilized the boat.

Rice pointed out that legislation and proposals have since been introduced by Democrats Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Steve Israel. And in 2013, New York passed that requires boat operators born on or after May 1, 1996, to complete a safety course.

But advocates said Sunday that more is needed.

“I am thankful that officials like District Attorney Rice are taking an interest to assure that first responders will have the tools they need and the cooperation of other agencies to secure and have on-board their vessels equipment necessary to effect rescues without delay or confusion," said Joy Treanor, the mother of Harlie Treanor, in a statement. Additionally, no one should be operating boats on our waterways without the proper training.”

"Numerous requests have been made by Kathleen Rice’s office, as well as myself and many others, to make positive changes for the safety of others," said Paul Gaines, father of Victoria Gaines. “Why has little to almost nothing been done to prevent something like this from happening to others? Would it be that terrible to have a placard in a visible area, letting all on board be aware of the maximum weight and passenger limitations?  Boater education? Many boaters have excellent knowledge of the seas. Unfortunately, many others do not. An ounce of prevention can save lives. Maybe even that of someone you love.”

“We have stepped up our efforts as a result of the Oyster Bay accident two years ago and we appreciate the follow up by Nassau County DA Rice, which hopefully will encourage our lawmakers to take action on the various types of legislation we have been advocating," Jackie Martin, the commodore of the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht & Boating Clubs, said.