A bill introduced by Long Island Democratic Sen. Jim Gaughran announced Monday is aimed at cracking down on drunken boating.
The measure was introduced following a series of high-profile boating accidents this summer fueled by alcohol.
The measure would make boating while intoxicated with children on board a felony — raising the current charge from a misdemeanor.
Gaughran also wants the Legislature to approve a separate bill that would revoke a boater’s driver’s license if they are convicted of boating while intoxicated.
“Drunk boating has long plagued Long Island’s waterways and destroyed families but it is preventable, and we must enact laws to deter this behavior and punish those who thoughtlessly endanger other lives,” Gaughran said.
“My bills will crack down on these criminals who recklessly drink and boat by threat of revoking their driver’s license and by making it a felony to boat while intoxicated with a child on board the vessel. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of fatal boating accidents and we must take steps to swiftly and seriously address this problem, especially as we enter these last weeks of summer.”
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