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Fire Island National Seashore
Boating
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Sound travels well across the bay. So that everyone may enjoy a degree of solitude within the park boundary, vessels are not permitted to exceed a noise level of 82 decibels (as measured at a distance of 82 feet or 25 meters from the boat). |
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You can enjoy a variety of boating opportunities within Fire Island National Seashore. Motorboats and sailboats are common summer adornments on the Great South Bay. Canoes and kayaks are less common, but may be safely used close to the shoreline.
The use of (PWCs)—also known as "Jet Skis"—is restricted within the boundaries of Fire Island. may only be operated in the channels to some of the Fire Island communities.
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You may stay overnight at the or marina, operated within Fire Island National Seashore by . Both electric and non-electric sites are available, and rates vary by size of vessel. There is a 14-day limit of stay at National Park Service marinas.
Other public marinas on Fire Island include the Davis Park Marina and Great Gun Marina (see ), which provide lower fees for town residents but may accommodate non-residents' vessels; hourly rates may also be available at these facilities. The also maintains a marina on Fire Island at Atlantique, with a similar rate structure. Private marinas on Fire Island include those at Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, (which have seasonal and limited transient slips) and several establishments that provide a place to dock on a short-term basis.
You may also anchor off-shore, outside of channels. There is a 14-consecutive-day limit for all overnight stays in the park (except in the designated wilderness) or at park facilities.
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Canoeing & Kayaking
There are currently no canoe or kayak rentals at Fire Island National Seashore's facilities. However, the National Park Service offers a guided canoeing program at during the summer, when staffing and conditions permit. The two-hour program provides an opportunity to explore and appreciate one of Fire Island's salt marshes. There are age requirements for children and you must be able to swim, but life jackets, paddles and canoes are provided.
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Always wear your PFD. A brightly colored life jacket helps improve your visibility on open water. |
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Coastal canoeing and kayaking requires a respect and understanding of tides and tidal currents, and wind, waves and weather. Weather can change quickly and fog can occur at times on the Great South Bay. As much as five miles off the south shore of Long Island, Fire Island's weather can be quite different from that on the mainland.
Several local canoe and kayak clubs and outdoor recreation organizations can provide additional information.
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In the event of any accident, collision, fire injury or other casualty within the boundaries of the park, you must report the incident to Fire Island National Seashore's Superintendent's Office within 24 hours. You will also need to file a report with the U. S. Coast Guard and Suffolk County Marine Bureau.
We prefer that you not need to complete any of these reports, so please BOAT SAFELY! |
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Always Boat Safely
Additional sources of safety information and instruction include:
(Kayak & Canoe Recreation)
National Safe Boating Council
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
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Enjoy the sunset from Watch Hill's marina. Watch Hill, in the middle of Fire Island, lies across the Great South Bay from Patchogue, NY. more... | | Boat at anchor Overnight mooring is permitted on parts of the Great South Bay. more... | |
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Did You Know?
The use of personal watercraft (PWCs or JetSkis) is restricted within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore. While not permitted at National Park Service facilities or near shorelines, PWCs may use the marked channels to access some of the Fire Island communities.
more...
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Last Updated: September 07, 2007 at 15:27 EST |