Huntington to Impose 5 mph Boat Speed Limit for Asharoken Fireworks Show

The Town will be reducing speed limits and stepping up patrols in Town waters July 4 to help people enjoy the fireworks show in Asharoken more safely.

It is expected that there will be an increased number of boats in our waters to view the fireworks in Asharoken since Oyster Bay has cancelled their event.

The Town will implement a 5 mph speed limit from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in all of Northport Bay and Huntington Bay south from East Beach to West Beach, as well as in Long Island Sound from the easternmost section of the Northport Power Plant to the westernmost end of the causeway on Asharoken Avenue.

The Town is working with the Suffolk County Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Village of Northport harbormaster and police department, the Asharoken police department and the Huntington, Northport and Centerport Fire Departments to coordinate patrols, the establishment of a security zone around the barge shooting the fireworks and the emergency response. As has been done in the past, law enforcement boats will be strategically located throughout the area the help ensure an orderly dispersal after the event.

“We are all mindful of the tragedy in Oyster Bay last July 4, which is why the Town is taking these measures to help people enjoy the Asharoken display safely,” said Councilman Cuthbertson, referring to the accident in which three children died off Oyster Bay Cove when the boat in which they were watching the Dolan fireworks show capsized as it was returning to Huntington. “We want to make the public aware of what the Town is doing and of the need for them to take basic precautions and understand how to act appropriately.”