Thursday, October 1, 2026
Summer is one of the most enjoyable times of the year in the Town of Oyster Bay. Our beautiful waterways — from Oyster Bay Harbor to the Great South Bay and the Long Island Sound — draw thousands of residents and visitors who enjoy boating, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and countless other recreational activities. We want everyone to enjoy our waterfront safely.
Unfortunately, every summer we also witness tragedies that could have been prevented.
Too often, accidents occur because someone takes an unnecessary risk. Whether it’s operating a boat at excessive speed, boating while impaired, failing to wear a life jacket or ignoring changing weather conditions, one poor decision can have life-altering consequences. These choices not only endanger the person making them, but also place family members, fellow boaters and our first responders in harm’s way.
Every time our bay constables, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel or members of the U.S. Coast Guard respond to a marine emergency, they willingly put themselves at risk in order to save others. They do so because protecting lives is their mission. Many of these dangerous rescue operations, however, begin with an accident that never should have happened in the first place.
I encourage every boater and personal watercraft operator to remember that safety begins before you ever leave the dock. Wear a properly fitted life jacket. Ensure that your vessel is equipped with the required safety equipment. Monitor the weather forecast before heading out, and be prepared for changing conditions. Operate your boat at a safe speed, remain alert to your surroundings, and always respect navigation rules and other boaters sharing our waterways. As a reminder, New York state requires that anyone operating a motorized vessel, regardless of age, have a valid boating safety certificate.
Perhaps most important, never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating while intoxicated is every bit as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and dramatically increases the likelihood of a serious or fatal accident. Holidays often bring increased boating traffic — and, unfortunately, an increase in impaired operators.
That’s why I’ve directed the Town of Oyster Bay’s Bay Constables Marine Enforcement Crew to intensify patrols throughout the summer and during busy holiday weekends. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, they enforce boating laws, removing impaired operators from our waterways.
These efforts are about prevention, not punishment. We want every family to return home safely after a day on the water.
Our bay constables have repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and heroism. Time and again, they have responded to emergencies, rescued distressed boaters, administered lifesaving medical care, and helped prevent tragedies from becoming even worse. Their dedication deserves our deepest gratitude.
But the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.
Each of us has a responsibility to make smart decisions that protect ourselves and those around us. Taking unnecessary risks may seem harmless in the moment, but the consequences can be devastating — not only for you and your loved ones, but also for the first responders who rush into dangerous situations to save lives.
Let’s continue to make this a safe and enjoyable summer on the water. Plan ahead. Follow the rules. Respect the power of our waterways. Look out for one another, and never underestimate the importance of responsible boating.
If we all do our part, we can ensure that our harbors, bays and shoreline remain places where families create wonderful memories — not heartbreaking ones.
As always, the Town of Oyster Bay remains committed to protecting our residents and visitors through education, enforcement, and the dedicated service of our bay constables and emergency responders. Together we can make safety our top priority, and ensure that everyone enjoys everything our beautiful waterfront has to offer.
Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.
