Boating Safety Forum Planned

The Town of Huntington announced plans for a boating safety forum at Town Hall next week.

Officials say the one-hour event, which begins Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m., is designed to educate and prepare members of the boating community for the real life experiences they may face while out in the water.

Held in partnership with the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht & Boating Clubs, the Huntington Harbormaster’s Office, the United States Coast Guard and Auxiliary, the Suffolk County Police Marine Division, Neptune Power Squadron, local fire departments and Incorporated Villages, event topics include weather and communication, vessel preparation, emergencies and search and rescue scenarios.

Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said the recent July 4 boating tragedy serves as an unfortunate reminder that events that attract large numbers of boaters present different challenges in navigating the waters around Long Island.

“We hope that this forum will serve as a refresher for boaters, reminding them of what to look out for, what to do and what not to do when our harbors and bays experience congestion due to events,” said Petrone.

Persons wishing to attend are asked to pre-register by calling the Huntington Harbormaster’s Office at 631-351-3192 or via email to Maritime@HuntingtonNY.gov