Coast Guard Advises Boat Safety Checks After Deadly Incident Near Liberty Island
A recent boating tragedy near Liberty Island, which resulted in the deaths of a mother and her infant, has prompted the Coast Guard to issue safety guidelines. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of verifying vessel compliance and ensuring passengers are adequately equipped with life jackets.
Key takeaways
- A recent boating accident near Liberty Island resulted in the deaths of a mother and her 5-month-old infant.
- The U.S. Coast Guard recommends checking four key safety aspects before boarding a boat: captain's license, vessel inspection sticker, capacity limits, and sufficient life jackets.
- Life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, accessible, and appropriately sized for all passengers.
- New York law requires children under 12 to wear life jackets on certain vessels, and the Coast Guard advises against infants on recreational boats.
Following a fatal boating accident near Liberty Island that claimed the lives of a mother and her 5-month-old baby, the U.S. Coast Guard is reinforcing boating safety regulations. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday night, has led to increased scrutiny of boating practices and a reminder of essential safety protocols.
Chief Warrant Officer Michael Leathers outlined four critical checks for anyone boarding a vessel. These include verifying the captain's operator license, especially for vessels carrying more than six passengers. For such vessels, a specific Coast Guard inspection sticker with a red stripe is necessary. For boats carrying six passengers or fewer, a sticker indicating an examination of an uninspected passenger vessel should be present.
Additionally, it is important to confirm the boat's capacity. Captain Kevin Ivany of Safe Boating America noted that a boat's capacity plate details the maximum allowable horsepower, weight, and number of individuals for safe operation. The fourth key check involves ensuring the boat has an adequate supply of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in appropriate sizes for all passengers and that they are readily accessible.
In New York State, children under 12 must wear a life jacket on vessels 65 feet or shorter when underway, unless on a closed-cabin boat. The Office of Boating Safety has advised against recreational vessels for infants between 4 and 11 months due to safety concerns related to water movement. Failure to have properly sized life jackets for children can lead to the termination of a trip.
Operating a vessel without a proper license can incur significant fines, potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Licensed operators are also mandated by the Coast Guard to provide a safety briefing to passengers before embarking.
Sources reviewed
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