Kings Park Yacht Club's First Annual Boater Safety Event and Boat Parade

By Chris Biancaniello

            Members of the Kings Park Yacht Club (KPYC) gathered Saturday morning at the Nissequogue State Dan Aiello addresses life vest safety (click on photo to enlarge)KPYC - Boat Safety EventRiver Park North Marina for their first annual Safe Boating Day and Life-Jacket giveaway. Club members raised money for the vests by hosting a boater safety course.  Dan and Alan Aiello (Son and Father), both members of the Kings Park Yacht Club, taught the course, and used the money charged for the course to purchase over 100 life jackets and to distribute them free of charge.

            The goal of the Boat Safety Event was to raise awareness for boater safety, as well as to encourage the use of life vests. As Captain Dan Aiello noted, “…accidental drowning accounts for two-thirds of all boating related-fatalities.” Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick was in attendance and praised the Yacht Club as a “…great organization that promotes the safe enjoyment of water.” Assemblyman Fitzpatrick also noted that, “this is what Long Island is all about- it’s all about the water.” Also in attendance was NY State Senator John Flanagan who noted the importance of the event stating that, “Safety is paramount and this will save lives.”

KPYC Clubhouse (click on photo to enlarge)KPYC Boat Parade (click on photo to enlarge)After a few short speeches, the real fun began when members of the Yacht Club (who incidentally are not required to own a boat) took attendees out for a trip on the water exposing them to the true beauty of Long Island’s North Shore as well as promoting membership in the Yacht club. The club itself is open to just about everyone and sponsors various events including fishing contests. Members often meet at their clubhouse (a converted houseboat that sits in the Nissequogue), as well as take trips to the shores of Connecticut.

Regional Director Wayne R. Horsley (click on photo to enlarge)The Boat Safety Event also highlighted the beauty of the Nissequogue State River Park, as well as the promise it is showing. Much to the appreciation of the Yacht Club members and attendees, Regional Director of Parks Wayne Horsley mentioned his plans to help “make the Nissequogue River a premiere state park.”

The KPYC members hope Boat Safety Day will become an annual event, they will continue to preach fun, but more importantly safe fun out on the water. As park director Bill Purtill said, “It’s a feel good day on the river. The Kings Park Yacht Club’s doing this event is a great thing, and I believe it is indicative of how the Kings Park community operates as a whole.”

KPYC members were pleased to have NYS Senator John Flanagan, Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick,  Long Island Director of State Parks Wayne Horsley, Director of Sunken Meadow State Park Jeff Mason and Nissequogue State Park Director Bill Purtill show their support for the Safe Boating Event and Boat Parade.

If you would like information about the KPYC Boat Safety Course contact Captain Aiello at aldente311@aol.com. For information about the Nissequogue River State Park