Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
During today's press conference, the Mayor also deputized local neighborhood children as Coast Guard Junior Auxiliarists, who promised to wear a life jacket when boating, to learn and practice boating and safety rules and to always swim with a buddy.
"Summertime in the New York City is the best time of year, when the City comes alive with outdoor events, baseball games, parties, boating and so much more," Mayor Giuliani said. "Few things can sour the fun of summer, but when people are reckless and fail to take basic precautions they end up endangering their lives and the lives of others. That is why we are here today at the historic South Street Seaport to urge boaters, especially jet skiers, to operate safely this weekend and throughout the summer. Last year, there were 37 boating accidents in New York City waters with two fatalities. The New York City Police Department and the United States Coast Guard will be out in full force all summer long and will summons or arrest anyone who is operating their boat in a reckless fashion.
"The Police Department is also targeting people who operate boats under the influence of alcohol or drugs," the Mayor continued. "When someone chooses to get behind the wheel of a boat drunk, they not only endanger their lives but the lives of every boater on the water. New York City's Finest will enforce the law and will arrest anyone who acts in such a criminal fashion.
"And what applies on the sea, also applies on our roadways this summer. The Police Department will also patrol our highways and establish DWI checkpoints throughout the City in the hopes of substantially reducing the incidents of reckless and drunk driving."
The Mayor also discussed the dangers of illegal fireworks. "The Police and Fire Departments have combined forces to rid our City of illegal fireworks. Thanks to their efforts, firework related injuries treated by the Fire Department have been reduced dramatically. But more work remains to be done. Last Thursday, a 16 year-old boy lost his right hand and part of his left to an illegal 'M-1000' explosive. The Police and Fire Departments are out in full force this summer and are determined to keep this contraband off of our streets. I urge all New Yorkers not to use illegal fireworks but instead go to one of the many legal displays held throughout the City," the Mayor concluded.
Joining the Mayor at today's announcement were Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander John Marks and Jack Putnam of the South Street Seaport Museum.
The Police and Fire Departments will patrol City waterways throughout the summer, enforcing boating laws and responding to emergencies. To ensure a safe summer on the water, the Mayor urged all boat and personal watercraft operators to: