Talk Back Poll: Should Boating Be as Regulated as Driving?

Two children died in Oyster Bay waters, and there's a debate as to whether or not there were enough life jackets and whether or not the person driving the boat should have known better than to have 27 passengers on his yacht that was reportedly made to hold 10 to 12.

A in the Great South Bay. Following the accident the driver of the vessel who struck the boat, Brian Andreski, 26, of Dix Hills, was charged with boating while intoxicated (BWI).

Right now there's no junior permit, junior license or license required at all to own and operate a boat. Even a heavily suggested boating safety course isn't required once someone is 18.

That means anyone 18 years old or older could launch a boat in New York water and must only comply with Coast Guard regulations relating to working lighting, safety jackets and other required emergency items.

Local enforcement can detain boaters if it appears someone driving a boat is intoxicated.

So, Babylon, what do you think? Is it time the act of driving a boat be as regulated as driving a vehicle? Take the following poll, and share reasons and thoughts in the comments section, below.