Politics & Government

Boating Safety Topic of Press Conference on Monday

Connecticut had nearly 60 boating related accidents resulting in10 deaths last year alone.

The general public is invited to a gathering of safety partners at a press conference regarding Boating Safety that will be held on Monday May 23 at 10:30 am at the Birdseye St. Boat launching ramp at the  Coast Guard Auxiliary base.

It will be presented by the Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Commission.

With the start of this year’s boating season upon us we are reminded that safety should not be taken lightly. Annually in America there are nearly four thousand boating accidents and almost 800 deaths. Connecticut had nearly 60 boating related accidents resulting in10 deaths last year alone.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

National Safe Boating week, observed this year between May 21 and 27, was established to promote awareness of safe boating practices for vessel owners, operators and their guests.

In Stratford, a group of water safety agencies work together within an agreement initiated by the Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission to respond to and aid each other in immediate response as well as search and rescue.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They include Stratford’s Police & Fire Marine units, Harbormaster and Coast Guard Auxiliary. Although these agencies exist to respond to maritime emergencies, boating safety is the responsibility of everyone who takes to the water in any type or size vessel.

Bill Rock, chairman of the Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission, who is also public affairs officer for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, will host this event.

Rock said, “It is not only important to wear a life jacket but also to take safe boating & seamanship classes, outfit vessels with additional proper safety equipment and practice safe boating habits when on the water.

"This year we are emphasizing paddle-craft safety. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the amount of fatalities associated with the use of paddle-craft, such as kayaks.

"Their popularity has grown rapidly over the past decade.  Factoring in fuel prices, there is the potential for even more people to purchase relatively inexpensive, non fuel burning, paddle powered craft to enjoy our waterways.

"We encourage boaters using any size vessel to put safety first”   

On Monday, the public will also be able to view the Stratford Police and Fire marine units, the harbormaster boat, the Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol boat and a United States Coast Guard RBS-25 response vessel, Rock said. 

Mayor John Harkins will present a proclamation. Also speaking will be acting Stratford Police Chief Pat Ridenour, Fire Marshall Brian Lampart, Harbormaster Ross Hatfield, Operations officer Bill Rohland of USCG-AUX Flotilla 24-02 and United States Coast Guard Boatswain's mate First Class MIchael Winiarski.

Among other invited guests will be Stratford police LT. DosSanstos ( supervisor of the police boat), the officers who man the new police boat, Joe Maida, Glenn Ponganis and Anthony Rhew, the Deputy harbormaster, and assistant fire chief Tim Brennen (supervisor of the fire boat). Land-based police and fire units will also be present.

Also on hand will be Paddle Craft Expert Tim Mulherin, District Captain Bob Gessulo and Flotilla Commander Donna Bisson of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.


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