Officials urge Jet Skiers to take extra precautions amid wave of Long Island rescues
Police and boating experts are urging the public to take extra precautions when heading out on Jet Skis this summer.
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Summer has only just begun, but Long Island authorities have already responded to at least three Jet Ski rescues, prompting renewed calls for caution and safety on the water.
The latest incident occurred near Treasure Island Marina in Seaford on Sunday night, where a Jet Skier became stranded in a marshy area around 9 p.m.
A police helicopter had to be deployed to complete the rescue due to the difficult terrain.
A similar situation unfolded on June 25 in a marsh near Merrick, where another rider became trapped. In both cases, emergency crews faced challenges accessing the remote and muddy areas.
Officials emphasize that Jet Skis—also known as personal watercraft—can be deceptively dangerous when operated without the proper knowledge or precautions. According to New York State law, riders must have a boating safety certificate to legally operate a Jet Ski.
Capt. Mike Vanadia, owner of The Nautical School, which offers boating safety courses, says many riders underestimate the risks of navigating local waters, especially in tidal areas like the Great South Bay.
“The marshes here, especially on the Great South Bay, are tidal,” Vanadia explained. “When the tide goes down, there’s less water underneath you. Depending on where you're navigating, it can just pop up as a really shallow area and you can get stuck in the mud.”
In addition to the marsh incidents, another emergency took place on the North Shore, where a Jet Ski carrying three people overturned in the Long Island Sound. All three riders required rescue.
Police and boating experts are urging the public to take extra precautions when heading out on Jet Skis this summer. That includes obtaining the proper license, checking tide charts, wearing life jackets and avoiding unfamiliar or shallow waterways.
