Within Fire Island National Seashore Boundaries
The use of personal watercraft (PWCs), commonly referred to as "Jet Skis," are restricted within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore. A regulation, 36 CFR Ch.1 §7.20(d), published on July 6, 2005, includes the following provisions:
PWCs are allowed within park boundaries in the Long Island Intracoastal Waterway and in marked channels to some private communities on Fire Island.
- In the Great South Bay from the eastern boundary of Robert Moses State Park to the western boundary of Sunken Forest, PWCs are prohibited within 1,000 feet of shore of East Fire Island, West Fire Island, and Fire Island, with the exception of navigational channels marked by buoys or identified on the NOAA navigational chart (12352) to and from Kismet, Saltaire, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Lonelyville, Atlantique, Ocean Beach, Ocean Bay Park, Point O'Woods, and Oakleyville at "flat-wake speed" (maximum 6 mph). PWCs may not cross restricted areas to access private piers or waterfront residences.
- In the Great South Bay from the western boundary of Sunken Forest to Moriches Inlet, PWCs are prohibited within 4,000 feet of Fire Island, with the exception of navigational channels marked by buoys or identified on the NOAA navigational chart (12352) to include access channels to and from Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, Water Island, and Davis Park at "flat-wake speed" (maximum 6 mph), and in navigational channels in Narrow and Moriches bays. PWCs may not cross restricted areas to access private piers or waterfront residences.
- In the Atlantic Ocean, PWCs are prohibited within 1,000 feet of Fire Island.
PWCs are not allowed:
- in Sailors Haven or Watch Hill marinas or at the Barrett Beach dock.
- in the channels to Bellport Beach or Great Gun Beach.
- to access any of the small islands within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore, regardless of land ownership.
Safe PWC Operation and Rules
All PWC users must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket. Responsible boat operation is enforced by the National Park Service, U. S. Coast Guard and Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau within the waters surrounding Fire Island
Please be sure to boat safely while enjoying Fire Island National Seashore by water.
