New Program Spotlights Safety, Marine Law Enforcement On LI Waterways

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A new pilot program was unveiled this week aimed at tightening up maritime enforcement and emergency response across eastern Suffolk County waterways.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, in partnership with Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, announced the launch of Aqua Alert, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

"This program represents a significant advancement in our ability to enforce maritime laws and protect Suffolk County residents," said Tierney. "By establishing this real-time alert system, another vital tool has been created for law enforcement to respond swiftly to emergencies and potentially criminal activities on our waterways."

"Our waterways can be even more dangerous than our roads, with unpredictable conditions, sudden weather changes, and inexperienced operators. Don’t make those risks worse by mixing in alcohol or not following the rules of the waterways," said Toulon. "This holiday weekend and all summer, our marine patrol will be working closely with law enforcement partners to help ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely."

The Aqua Alert program, modeled after Amber Alerts for missing children and Silver Alerts for seniors, will provide real-time notifications about urgent maritime emergencies, Tierney said. The alerts will be broadcast directly to mobile devices through participating in Wireless Emergency Alert systems, delivering critical information to the public, such as descriptions of missing persons or vessels and their last known locations, he said.

The program represents the latest collaborative effort of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, established in 2007 to coordinate marine law enforcement operations across Suffolk County’s five eastern towns. The DA's office plays a crucial role in the EEMLETF, working alongside 16 other agencies to enforce maritime laws and prosecute violations, Tierney said.

Public awareness and cooperation are key to the effectiveness of the Aqua Alert program and maritime enforcement efforts, he added. The effectiveness of Aqua Alert depends on public awareness and cooperation. The program will help the Task Force to:

- Gather critical witness information for potential maritime crime investigations.
- Quickly identify and apprehend individuals operating vessels while intoxicated.
- Coordinate multi-agency responses to illegal activities on the water.
- Enhance prosecution efforts through improved evidence collection.

On Wednesday, the DA's office also announced increased enforcement of boating laws during the
upcoming summer season, with special emphasis on:

- operating vessels under the influence (BWI), the leading factor in fatal boating accidents.
- Proper safety equipment requirements, including life jackets for all passengers.
- Navigation rules and speed limits in crowded waterways.
- Illegal discharge of waste into protected waters.

The enhanced enforcement comes as U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that in 2024, 75 percent of boating fatalities resulted from drownings and a significant portion of those drown victims, about 85 percent were not wearing life jackets, Tierney sadi.

As of January 1, 2025, Brianna’s Law requires all motorboat operators in New York State
regardless of age, to complete a boater safety course, the DA said. Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck, who was killed in a 2005 boating accident in Great South Bay, has been gradually phased in since 2020, with the final phase taking effect in January requiring certification for all operators.

For maritime emergencies or to report suspicious activity, mariners should use VHF Channel 16
or call the Sector Long Island Sound Command Center at (866) 299-8031.

"The 'lone ranger' days are over," said Ed Michels, chairman of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force. "Our partnerships with all the East End law enforcement agencies, the sheriff's Office and the district attorney's office ensure that we must work together to achieve end results which bring better results to the people in Eastern Suffolk County."