After Tragedy, Pols Propose Propeller Safety Bill

Pictured, from left, are Northport Village Mayor George Doll, state Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, state Sen. John Flanagan, Northport Village Trustee Ian Milligan, Northport Village Deputy Mayor Henry Tobin, state Sen. Carl Marcellino, state Assemblyman Andrew Raia and Suffolk Legislator William Spencer. Photo Courtesy of Office of Assemblyman Andrew Raia

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

Local and state politicians are partnering to introduce a new boating safety bill that would require propeller guards be installed on all propeller-equipped vessels used to instruct children under 18.

“Accidents like this should never happen because they are preventable,” said state Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R-Northport), one of the lawmakers behind the proposal. “Something as simple as a propeller guard can prevent a chest from being hit by a boat motor.”

The proposed legislation would not mandate propeller guards for recreational vessels.

The proposed legislation comes nearly a month after 12-year-old Ryan John Weiss, of Greenlawn, was killed by injuries he suffered in a Centerport sailing lesson accident, during which he became entangled with the propeller of a boat he fell off of.

Prop guards would only be required on motorboats used for instructional purposes such as sailing, swimming or rowing. New propeller guards range from $120-$500 depending on the level of protection.

Citing Coast Guard statistics, Raia added that 22 New Yorkers died last year as a result of boating accidents — although not all were related to propeller injuries.

Along with Raia, the proposal was introduced Monday in Northport by state Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R-Huntington Station), state Sen. John Flanagan (R-East Northport), state Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) and Suffolk Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport).

Raia said there is still work to be done to refine the proposed legislation; he’s expecting some pushback from the marine industry. He added, “It would be nice if we saw this passed for the next boating season.”

Northport Village Mayor George Doll, Deputy Mayor Henry Tobin and Trustee Ian Milligan also attended the announcement, hosted at Northport Village Dock.

“We know that people out on the water will cross jurisdictions between villages, towns and counties, and so it’s important that this legislation be enacted at the broadest level.” Tobin said.

The legislation is not meant to dissuade children from taking advantage of boating and water sports; the goal is to make sure tragedies do not occur, said Lupinacci.

Milligan added, “For an accident like this to put a cloud over recreation would be a shame.

“Legislation like this and support for the clubs that have these kinds of activities would help them become safer.”

Spencer, a member of Centerport Yacht Club, said he is hoping to propose similar legislation at the county level.

He said, “We support any measures that enforce boating safety.”