Last July, a deadly boat accident occurred near the Tappan Zee Bridge when a powerboat hit a stationary barge used in the construction of the new bridge.
Two people were killed and the operator of the boat found to have double the legal amount of alcohol and traces of cocaine in his system, is expected to be sentenced to two years in prison. The families involved in the accident blame the barge company for having the barge inadequately lit.
For more than 55 years, the Cold Spring Boat Club has been an institution in Putnam County, giving boaters a place to dock their boats, make new friends and learn about boating safety.
"We offer boating safety courses as much as we can," Commodore Mark Patinella said. "We teach you some of the basics."
Patinella said it is important to get your vessel checked by the Coast Guard or Putnam County's Sheriff's Office to ensure it is safe, and to have a flag and whistle.
"Always have the home number of the port that you are docked at," Patinella said. "Make sure you have an anchor line that works. Look out for people kayaking, it is hard to see them."
Patinella said he hopes to offer up another boating safety course in the fall.
Scott Croft, vice president of public affairs for BoatUS, said boaters who boat at night after a day on the beach need to be careful.
"You've spent the day on the water having BBQ, going fishing and swimming," Croft said. "Those are stressers. You need a captain to be attentive behind the wheel and for guests to do their role."
Croft said alcohol should be left at home and boaters need to learn that driving at night is a whole new ballgame.
"It requires a whole new set of skills," Croft said. "You need extreme patience."
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