Two stranded jet ski riders were safely rescued from Shinnecock Bay after spending more than 30 minutes in the water, thanks to the quick response of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Marine Bureau during a routine weekend patrol.
Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. said Marine Bureau deputy sheriffs were patrolling the bay on Saturday, June 27, when they spotted a personal watercraft taking on water. As deputies approached, they found two people in the water clinging to the disabled jet ski after it had overturned.
Deputies determined the watercraft was no longer operable and immediately began a rescue operation. Both riders were safely brought aboard and transported back to shore along with the disabled jet ski. Neither person was injured.
The rescue highlights the critical role the Sheriff's Marine Bureau plays in protecting boaters, anglers and beachgoers across Suffolk County's extensive waterways. With hundreds of square miles of bays, harbors, rivers and coastline, Suffolk's marine environment attracts thousands of recreational boaters, fishermen and vacationers each year, particularly during the busy summer season. Marine Bureau deputies patrol those waters to respond to emergencies, assist distressed boaters and help keep waterways safe.
"The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Marine Bureau is out on patrol to help ensure everyone can enjoy our waterways safely throughout the summer," Toulon said. "I commend our Deputy Sheriffs for their quick response in rescuing these stranded jet ski operators and bringing them safely back to shore."
The Sheriff's Office is reminding anyone heading onto the water to wear a properly fitted life jacket, check weather and water conditions before departing, and make sure boats and personal watercraft are in safe operating condition before launching.
Officials also reminded boaters that New York's Brianna's Law requires all operators of motorized vessels, including personal watercraft such as jet skis, to successfully complete an approved boating safety course before operating on New York waters.