A proposed state law would require instructional boats to use propeller guards to avoid serious injuries are deaths that can happen when a person comes in contact with the spinning blades.

The move comes in the wake of a fatal boating accident that killed a 12-year-old boy in Centerport. Ryan Weiss fell overboard and sustained fatal injuries when a propeller struck his chest during a sailing lesson.

Northport Mayor George Doll, a longtime commercial fisherman, says he teamed up with state and county lawmakers for the legislation.

"Tragedies like this should never happen, because they are preventable," says state Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R-East Northport), who is leading the legislative effort.