Police Target Unsafe Personal Watercraft Off Croton Point

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Westchester County Police Marine Unit recently increased its patrols on the Hudson River off Croton Point in response to unsafe activity by operators of Jet-Skis and other personal watercraft.

The crackdown will go through Labor Day weekend and beyond, a police spokesman said.

Police have issued many summonses for violations of navigation law, including operating recklessly near swimmers or boats; operating in excess of 5 mph within 100 feet of the shore or anchored vessels; and operating a personal watercraft after dusk.

"We want to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for people on the river whether they are boating, operating PWCs, swimming or fishing," Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason said. "Our enforcement on the Hudson was in response to community complaints as well as an observed increase in unsafe activity by our Marine Unit officers."

Everyone operating a personal watercraft in New York must have completed a boater safety course and carry legally required equipment.

In addition, the minimum operator age is 14; operation is prohibited between sunset and sunrise; reckless operation including weaving through congested marine traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel and “playing chicken” is prohibited; and personal watercraft are prohibited within 500 feet of a bathing beach/swimming area like the one at Croton Point Park.

County police will also continue to encourage social distancing on and along the river, including on boats that have tied up together in a group — a traditional and popular activity off the beach at Croton Point.

"We have received complaints that some people aboard these boats are moving back and forth among vessels without wearing masks or maintaining social distancing," the commissioner said. "We remind everyone that the governor’s executive order remains in effect and it requires people to maintain social distancing or wear a mask if they cannot."