The speed boat race that left two Long Islanders dead last year returns to the Great South Bay this weekend with added precautions.

Battle on the Bay organizer Lou Giancontieri says last year?s accident nearly caused him to cancel this year?s race. The two men were killed when their boat flipped over and nearly disintegrated. Giancontieri says the victims were close friends of his.

Organizers say they'll put more buoys out in the water this year and double the distance between spectators and the race course. Giancontieri says they'll be keeping a close eye on the water conditions with Hurricane Bill swirling off shore.

Great South Bay Racing