A boating safety event in Greenport will mark the launch of National Safe Boating Week as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Southold Flotilla works to promote life saving practices across the East End.
The event is scheduled for May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mitchell Park on Front Street, where residents and visitors will be able to take part in hands on demonstrations focused on safe recreation on the water.
Activities will include paddlecraft safety displays, knot tying instruction and a life ring toss, along with free vessel safety checks conducted on Greenport Harbor.
Organizers say the goal is to raise awareness about preventable accidents and encourage boaters to wear life jackets, a step often overlooked despite longstanding safety campaigns.
According to U.S. Coast Guard data, drowning accounted for roughly three quarters of recreational boating deaths in recent years, with the vast majority of victims not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident.
On Long Island, where boating is a major part of summer life, the Coast Guard and its volunteer Auxiliary play a key role in education, patrol support and emergency response across busy waterways.
Suffolk County alone has more than 60,000 registered recreational vessels, making awareness and adherence to safety rules critical as traffic increases during peak months.
Officials noted that collisions between boats remain the leading cause of accidents in New York waters, underscoring the need for education and vigilance among operators.
Andrew Tarantino, division commander for Eastern Long Island, said Auxiliary classes help boaters stay current on changing laws and best practices while reinforcing habits that keep outings safe and enjoyable.
For more information the event or to schedule a safety check, residents can contact organizers by email, EasternLI.cgaux@gmail.comm with participation open to the public, weather permitting on the day