MONDAY • MAY 26 • 2025
Thursday, May 22, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 31 ~ $1.00
Tierney, Coast Guard Announce
‘Aqua Alert’ Ahead of Summer By Matt Meduri The quintessential Long Island summer cannot be devoid of maritime activities, such as fishing, sailing, or just enjoying the beach. But, as always, safety first. On Wednesday morning, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) joined the Coast Guard and East End law enforcement chiefs to announce new maritime safety measures and to announce Suffolk’s participation in the Aqua Alert pilot program.
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District Attorney Ray Tierney (Credit - Matt (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Islip & Babylon Join for Boater PSA As weather warms and Memorial Day weekend approaches, officials from the Towns of Islip and Babylon gathered for a joint press conference to emphasize the importance of boating safety across Long Island’s South Shores and beyond. The event was held at the West Islip Marina and hosted by Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip). Local leaders including Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer (D-North Babylon), members of the Babylon and Islip Town Boards, along with representatives from Islip and Babylon Town public safety divisions and parks departments were on hand to underscore the importance of smart boating as residents prepare for one of the busiest weekends on the water. “Your lifejacket is your seatbelt on the water,” Supervisor Carpenter stressed, the law requires one properly fitted lifejacket per passenger aboard, with wear being mandatory for all children under 13. Gina Lieneck, whose advocacy in the aftermath of her daughter’s tragic death from a boating accident, and which led to the passage of Brianna’s Law requiring boater safety
certification for all motorized vessel operators, delivered a sobering message during the press conference and served as a poignant reminder of the law’s lifesaving purpose. Considering Brianna’s Law going into effect this past January, both Towns also reminded residents of their FREE Boater Safety Courses. Islip will host its final session for the summer, on Saturday, June 14, a free New York State approved course offering lifetime certification in compliance with Brianna’s Law. Registration is available through the Town’s Cultural Affairs Office at (631) 224-5430. The event concluded with a strong message from officials, encouraging residents to enjoy the waterways responsibly this season and to honor the spirit of Memorial Day by prioritizing safety on the water. Islip Town officials consisted of Town Clerk Linda Vavricka (R-West Islip) and Councilmen Jorge Guadron (D-Central Islip), Mike McElwee (R-West Islip), and John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville). Babylon Town Councilman Terrence McSweeney (D-North Babylon) was also in attendance.
FULL STORIES ON:
All Town School District Results Pages 12
Samoset Music Room Outgoing West Islip F.D. Chief Honored Named for Chris Macchio Page 17
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