Ahead of this year’s Memorial Day weekend, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney declared waterway safety revamp was in order.
His office will implement tightened language and shored-up protocol in collaboration with Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, and the US Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound.
Of most note, the DA announced on Wednesday, May 21st, the implementation of “Aqua Alert” — an innovative pilot program designed to strengthen emergency response efforts across eastern Suffolk County’s waterways.
“This program represents a significant advancement in our ability to enforce maritime laws and protect Suffolk County residents,” said DA Tierney. “By establishing this real-time alert system, another vital tool has been created for law enforcement to respond swiftly to emergencies and potentially criminal activities on our waterways.”
Modeled after the Amber Alert system instituted for missing children purposes, Aqua Alert will send mobile devices real-time urgent notifications courtesy of a Wireless Emergency Alert System-certified broadcast.
In seconding Tierney’s support for the program, Toulon added: “Our waterways can be even more dangerous than our roads, with unpredictable conditions, sudden weather changes, and inexperienced operators.”
The East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force was established in 2007. In addition to the DA’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office and the US Coast Guard, it includes: NYS Police, NYS DEC Police, Plum Island Security, East Hampton Town Police, East Hampton Village Police, Quogue Village Police, Riverhead Town Police, Sag Harbor Police, Shelter Island Town Police, Southampton Town Police, Southampton Village Police, Southold Town Police and Westhampton Beach Police.
The agency and its many partners believe Aqua Alert will help:
• Gather critical witness information for potential maritime crime investigations
• Quickly identify and apprehend individuals operating vessels while intoxicated
• Coordinate multi-agency responses to illegal activities on the water
• Enhance prosecution efforts through improved evidence collection
Additionally, the DA’s office announced a special emphasis on better enforcing already in place boating laws and mandates moving forward. They plan to crack down on boat operators piloting vessels while under the influence, which will lead to an uptick in “BWIs” issued.
“Brianna’s Law” currently requires all motorboat operators statewide to complete a boater safety source. It was named after 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck, who was tragically killed in a 2005 boating accident in Great South Bay.
Life jackets for all passengers: another safety equipment requirement that has seen little to no enforcement prior; the DA’s office and the Task Force plan to change this fact.
According to the DA’s office, US Coast Guard statistics demonstrated that in 2024, 75% of boating fatalities resulted from drownings; of these victims, approximately 85% were not wearing life jackets.
Lastly, speed limit and illegal waste discharge violations will also be more thoroughly prosecuted.
The Sheriff warned sunshine holiday-time partiers: “Don’t make those risks worse by mixing in alcohol or not following the rules of the waterways.”
“This holiday weekend and all summer,” Toulon adds, “our Marine Patrol will be working closely with law enforcement partners to help ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely.”