Boating instruction bill signed into law

TRENTON — Legislation sponsored by Assembly Republicans Anthony M. Bucco, Gail Phoebus and Nancy F. Muñoz to prevent pontoon boat propeller accidents by requiring renters to complete an instruction course was signed today by the governor.

The bill, known as “Christopher’s Law,” is named after 10-year Christopher D’Amico of Mount Arlington who died in a pontoon boat accident on Lake Hopatcong in June 2015.

“Our goal is to educate the boating public in order to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future,” said Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset. “This legislation makes sure people who rent these recreational water vessels understand the potential dangers involved and receive lifesaving instructions. As a result of this legislation, we hope no other family will have to endure such a tragic loss."

The measure requires pontoon boat rental business owners to post a metallic sign stating that individuals who rent pontoon boats must complete a pre-rental instruction course. The sign must have a person near a propeller with the universal “No” sign and it must state “Warning: rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death.”

“When boating, common sense dictates that you need to know what to do should an accident occur,” said Phoebus, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris. “Whether you are the boat’s driver or a passenger, you need to be prepared. Educating boaters about how to respond to an accident will save lives and prevent fun, family outings from turning into tragedy as it did for the D’Amico’s.