Wantagh, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced today the beginning of "Boat Safety Week" in Nassau County. The safety campaign runs through May 21-May 30, 2005. The County Executive was joined by Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence and members of the STARCOM Taskforce in encouraging safety in the water during the upcoming boating season.

"The STARCOM Taskforce's initiatives will ensure that boaters are well-protected and everyone can enjoy Nassau County's beautiful waters," said County Executive Suozzi. "Thanks to the efforts of this joint task force, we have established new procedures for search and rescue and law enforcement operations to make our waterways safer."

April and May have typically been the most dangerous periods in Nassau County's waterways, as it is the beginning of the boating season. There were 44 boating related accidents in Nassau County last year and resulted in 30 people being injured. The Nassau County Police Department and the STARCOM Taskforce outlined their strategies to ensure this year's boating season is as safe as possible, including the proper use of flotation devices, excessive speeding and unsafe operation of vessels. In addition, efforts are also underway to coordinate daily law enforcement activities and to crack down on the number of BWI's (Boating While Intoxicated).

Nassau County Police Commissioner James Lawrence said, "The Police Department's goal for this boating season is to ensure that everyone can enjoy our beautiful waters in a safe and pleasurable environment."

The STARCOM Taskforce is comprised of the Nassau County Police Department Marine Bureau, the United States Coast Guard, Bay Constables, and other Federal and State law enforcement organizations. Established in 2003, STARCOM consists of interagency procedures for joint search and rescue efforts, law enforcement, and Homeland Security.