ABINANTI URGES SAFE BOATING DURING LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh/Mt.Pleasant) is calling on boaters to take proper precautions and keep informed about water conditions -- especially around the Tappan Zee Bridge construction – this holiday weekend and into the fall boating season. He is also calling on the state to take steps to insure boaters have the necessary skills and get updated information.

Abinanti’s urgings are part of his long-time efforts to increase safety on the water.  His efforts come in light of the latest fatal boating accident on the Hudson River where a boat smashed into a barge near the Bridge in late July.

“Boaters need to inform themselves about water conditions,” said Abinanti, who volunteers as a safe-boating instructor. “Boaters need to inquire about obstructions that may be in the water before they set out. The Bridge project has added hazards, including barges, that don’t show up on the standard charts.”

“Further, the state has a responsibility to give boaters up-to-date information about obstructions,” said Abinanti, who represents the Hudson River waterfront communities. He suggested a series of formal “conversations” during the fall boating season between the state and recreational boaters to inform boaters about the state’s plans and solicit boaters’ input.

“Finally, safe boating requires skills that must be learned and practiced.” said Assemblyman Abinanti . “The state should take steps to insure boaters have those skills.” He called on the Governor to immediately sign the safe boating legislation now on his desk (A.3471/S.1639) which requires new boaters to obtain a safety certificate by completing a safe boating course.

"Boating without the proper instruction and information is dangerous to the boater and everyone else on the water,” said Assemblyman Abinanti.