Connecticut Looks To Tighten Boating Laws After Death Of Greenwich Teen

GREENWICH, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- An effort is underway to tighten Connecticut's boating laws following the death of a Greenwich teenager last summer.

In August, 16-year-old Emily Fedorko and a friend were in a tube being towed by other teens in a boat when they suddenly fell into the water in Long Island Sound near the Old Greenwich Yacht Club. Emily was killed by the motor's propeller after the boat circled back to assist the girls.

Sen. Scott Frantz, R-Greenwich, is now pushing for a law that would require boating operators to be at least 16 years old and to have a solid background in towing and boating safety, WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported.

The girl who was operating the boat was 16 and licensed.

"Like any other activity that does have a potentially dangerous side to it, you can never have too much education," Frantz said.

Frantz encouraged parents to spend time with their kids out on the water before allowing them to take the helm without adult supervision.

The new safe boating law is expected to easily pass and become law Oct. 1.